Taiwan Today
Date: November 14, 2016
Representatives from the Taiwan-based diplomatic corps, international chambers of commerce and
Participants in the Diplomatic Woodball Friendship Tournament tee off Nov. 12 at National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences. (Courtesy of IWbF)
organizing committee of the 2017 Taipei Summer Universiade contested the Diplomatic Woodball Friendship Tournament Nov. 12 in Taipei City, expanding exchanges and learning more about Taiwan while experiencing the locally invented sport.
Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Woodball Federation, the daylong event took place at National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences in Beitou District. It has been staged annually since 2011 and is considered a highlight on the diplomatic calendar.
MOFA Vice Minister Leo Chen-jan Lee said at the tournament’s opening ceremony that woodball has generated widespread attention, affording Taiwan many opportunities for sporting exchanges with countries around the world. He also praised its creator Weng Ming-hui for his tireless efforts in promoting the hybrid sport mixing croquet and golf.
From its humble beginnings 26 years ago on the terraced hills of a scenic spot in Taipei’s Shihlin District, woodball has grown in popularity due to its simple equipment—a ball, mallet and gate—and the fact that it is easy to learn and play. In 1990, woodball was recognized as an official sport by the Olympic Council of Asia and incorporated into the Asian Beach Games in 2008—the first time an athletic activity created in Taiwan achieved official status at an OCA-organized event. [FULL STORY]
