The China Post
Date: August 19, 2017
By: The China Post

In the wake of an unexpected disruption in the opening ceremony of the Taipei

Taipei Universiade Organizing Committee

Universiade, Taipei’s mayor Ko Wen-je and International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Oleg Matytsin expressed regret about what had happened, but urged everyone to continue to cheer for the athletes.

Taiwan is a democratic country that has freedom of speech and respect for the expression of different opinions, the mayor of Taipei said.

He said the protests on Saturday had prevented some of the delegations from entering the stadium, Upon being alerted of the incident, police immediately mobilized to address the situation, allowing Chinese Taipei’s athletes and visiting delegations to proceed. Spectators greeted this belated parade with loud applause, Ko said, adding that in that moment, he was very moved.    [FULL  STORY]