Taiwan Quick Take: Deaflympics helpers gear up

Over 1,000 volunteers for the 2009 Taipei Deaflympics vowed at a ceremony yesterday to join forces with the government to help the nation's athletes win glory for Taiwan during the international event. According to an official of the Chinese Taipei Sports Association of the Deaf, nearly 10,000 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the games, which will have at least 15 events, including track and field, swimming, basketball, badminton, bowling, cycling, football, handball, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, water polo, shooting and wrestling. In addition, there will be performances of martial arts, including karate, taekwondo and judo.