The build-up to the World Games may have been littered with stories that thousands of tickets remained unsold, but the first few days of competition have seen most venues packed out with enthusiastic crowds of local fans.
Events such as fistball, beach handball, korfball and sumo have all seen strong attendances as Kaohsiung’s debut on the world stage is welcomed by the locals.
And as for the fans, residents of Taiwan’s second city have a number of different reasons for attending.
PHOTO: RICHARD HAZELDINE, TAIPEI TIMES
For some, the chance to watch some sport, however obscure, was just too good to miss.
Take Kaohsiung-native Huang Shun-fa.
Huang, 29, a chemical engineer by trade, was at Sizihwan on Saturday morning to watch Taiwan’s opening game against Oman in beach handball.
While he admitted that he didn’t really have any idea what beach handball was when he bought his tickets, the avid sports fan said he figured it would be like beach volleyball and the opportunity to watch some live action was what had brought him to the venue.
Huang, who usually works afternoon shifts, said he was using up all his mornings during the Games to watch as much of the action as possible.He had also purchased tickets to see fistball and gymnastics.
Others were just plain curious.
Student Candice Chuang, 23, was among the small crowd attending the Air Sports competition on Friday with her mother and sister.
Asked why they had made the trip to Metropolitan Park, 23-year-old Chuang said she seldom had the opportunity to see this kind of competition.
They also planned to watch other events, having bought tickets for the roller sports and flying disc competitions.
Some, meanwhile, were there to cheer on friends and family.
High school classmates Cheng Ya-wen, Tang Ting-wei and Wang Yun-shan were attending the ladies beach handball match against Macedonia to cheer on their high school classmate.
And although Taiwan lost, the girls enjoyed the occasion, adding that it was a real honor for Kaohsiung to have the opportunity to host the games.
“We’re so glad that Kaohsiung got the chance to host the games because usually Taipei gets everything,” Tang said.
And there are those who came just to cheer for Taiwan and revel in the city’s hosting of the games.
Student Julia Fu, 30, was among the noisy crowd over at Chungcheng Stadium to cheer on Taiwan’s fistball team.
“I’m here to cheer on Taiwan,” she said. “I have to admit I didn’t know what fistball was at first so I went online to check. When I found out it was like volleyball I decided to come along.”
“I’m really excited to be here,” she said. “The build up to the World Games has seen Kaohsiung become more beautiful. The traffic has improved and the city is much cleaner. I also went to the opening ceremony and that was great too.”
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