Premier Frank Hsieh (
"If we put our efforts together and keep fighting for it, it will be possible to host the Olympics," the premier said.
The premier made the remarks yesterday morning while meeting with acting Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (
Hsieh complained that he had missed a chance to visit Germany earlier this year because of political pressure from China after he was promoted as premier.
Hsieh was referring to an invitation he received from the German company Siemens in May to attend a ceremony at its headquarters to celebrate Kaohsiung City's subway system. Hsieh was mayor when a procurement deal was signed with Siemens.
"I lost my round-trip ticket to Germany because of my promotion," he said.
Hsieh, however, expressed happiness that Kaohsiung had won the right to host the World Games in spite of China.
"We are glad that we made it ... the Chinese government could not react fast enough," the premier said.
Hsieh also said that Kaohsiung may host other international games in the near future because it has the facilities to hold large sports events. However, he also encouraged other cities to increase construction so they can qualify to host sports events.
"As I said, we have yet to decide which city will be the host for the 2020 Olympics. That means everybody [every city] has a chance," Hsieh said.
In the mean time, the focus is on the 2009 World Games.
To be authorized to host the games, the government has kept a low profile and is working hard to prove to the World Games committee that Kaohsiung is capable of hosting the international event.
The games in Duisburg this year will feature 32 different sports this year. The 2009 Kaohsiung World Games will add two more events -- softball and baseball -- for a total of 34.
The first World Games were held in Santa Clara, California, in 1981 and Duisburg, Germany is hosting this year's event. They are held every four years.
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