President praises young tennis star as `source of pride'

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) on Wednesday lauded 14-year-old Taiwan student and tennis star Chan Yung-jan, who won the junior women's doubles title at this year's Australian Open, as "a source of pride" for the people of Taiwan.

During a reception held at the Presidential Office, Chen met with Chan and her parents. Chen praised Chan -- Taiwan's youngest Grand Slam title winner ever -- for her brilliant performance which the president said has brought the sport of tennis in Taiwan to a new apex.

Chen also expressed his respect and appreciation to Chan's parents for their devotion to their daughter, noting that all athletes need long-term support and encouragement from others in order to succeed.

He said the Chan's parents' persistence deserves special acclamation as they have tried hard to offer all the support that Yung-jan has needed to become an outstanding tennis player, even though their home was destroyed in the killer earthquake of Sept. 21, 1999.

The president said that he is confident that Taiwan will have more outstanding athletes and players like Chan in the future, with both the government and the private sector investing more capital and energy into sports activities and training.