2009 World Games opens to 3,300 athletes

At a last-minute deal between the Kaohsiung Organizing Committee (KOC), the organizer of the Games and the International World Games Association, the formal declaration of the opening of the Games will be made by President Ma Ying-jeou. The confirmation of Ma's role in the ceremony was made as late as July 14.

Fireworks will open the long anticipated games. The Formosa-themed opening performance will feature the multiple aspects of Taiwan as an island country, a developed nation and a land with rich traditional culture.

Tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies were sold out, the Kaohsiung City government said. The box office of other sports events are not faring as good. Only about 30% of the tickets have been sold on average.

In order to provide a clean environment for the athletes, the Environment Protection Administration (EPA) will enhance its inspections of pollution in the Greater Kaohsiung area. People who are interested on the live monitoring of air quality can visit the EPA's Web site at: http://taqm.epa.gov.tw/taqm.

On security measures, the public is reminded that national flags larger than 2 meters by 1 meter and opinionated banners are not allowed in the Games venues. Drugs and firearms, large bottles of sun lotion are also banned. As for water bottles, people will have to drink a sip in front of security guards before bringing them into the venues.

The Minister of Health is also contributing in the smooth running of the Games, especially on the prevention of transmittable diseases such as the H1N1 flu or dengue fever.

Citizens are also reminded not to drive on special roads for the World Games from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The special roads were selected for the speedy transportation of athletes, referees and other personnel through the Games' 23 venues.

The KOC said that the design of the medals integrates Taiwan with the international sports event. On one side is embossed the official multicolored emblem of the 2009 World Games, and the Chinese character “kao,” which means “superior” and is the first character in the host city's name, the KOC said.

The red, blue, green and orange ribbon styled emblem creates a sense of festivity and celebration, and the colors symbolize the sun, the ocean and energy, the organizers said.

The other side of each medal will show a globe, the emblem of the International World Games Association, adorned with waves and a butterfly, symbolizing the ocean and Taiwan, the KOC noted.

Taiwan is known as the “Kingdom of Butterflies” because of the more than 400 butterfly species that can be seen here.

The ribbon is decorated with a hand-made glass bead, reflecting local indigenous culture.

The 8th World Games are attracting nearly 3,300 athletes from 90 countries, the KOC said. Competition takes place in 26 competitive sports and five exhibition sports.

A total of 1,005 medals will be awarded in the competitive events, and 543 will be awarded in the exhibition sports, according to the KOC.

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