Taipei is taking it to the limit and hosting the 2001 Asian Xtour extreme sports competition today and tomorrow.
The event, sponsored by Toyota, ESPN and the Taipei City Government, takes place in a parking lot which has been converted into an arena -- near the Mitsukoshi Department Store, off Hsinyi Road, opposite the Warner Village complex.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ORGANIZERS
Organizers say they are trying to encourage local kids to get involved in sport and "express themselves."
It will be one of the largest gatherings of Taiwan's top extreme sports athletes, who will be battling it out for the right to qualify for the 2002 Asian X Games, which is early next year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Shanghai and Bangkok have already hosted regional heats, with tournaments in Malaysia, Manila and Singapore to come.
Winners from these regional competitions will go on to compete against the best that the US and Europe have to offer in XESPN's US Summer X Games, the world's showcase event for extreme sports.
A total of 24 athletes from Taiwan will qualify for the regional finals in Malaysia and the top twelve will be flown out on an all-expenses paid trip for the tournament.
Prepare to be entertained by in-line skaters, skateboarders and BMX bike riders.
There will also be bicycle stunt shows and some clinics organized by professional coaches. So, take your board and take a lesson.
Sports loving media personalities Chang Lo-Jun (
The car park is on the corner of Sungshou Road and Sungjen Road, not far from the Taipei City Hall MRT.
The event will be broadcast on ESPN and Star Sports.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely