All the top athletes from the Liudui regions gathered in Neipu Township, Pingtung County to compete in an annual Hakka sports affair slated for March 16 and 17. Hakka Affairs Council Minister Lee Yung-de attended the opening ceremony with Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁), who delivered an address on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). After throwing the first pitch with Minister Lee, Vice President Chen announced the start of the 54th Liudui Games.

The vice president first praised the boundless energy of the Liudui regions that was reflected in the local hospitality and the promotion of multiculturalism and solidarity through athletic competitions. 

He then explained how “Beautiful Liudui,” one of the national development plans under implementation since President Tsai took office, focuses on four parts: preservation of Hakka heritage, enhancement of the overall environment, industrial development, and deepening the roots of culture.

Positive results are beginning to show, Vice President Chen pointed out, adding that it is his fervent hope that the Hakka communities of Liudui will also join in the collective effort to preserve and promote Hakka culture under the “Beautiful Liudui” national development plan.

Following the entrance of Hakka Affairs Council officials, athletes from 12 Liudui townships were dressed in various costumes reflecting their respective local produce as they marched into Neipu Junior High School, the venue of the opening ceremony. A motorcycle procession led by Neipu Township Mayor Chung Ching-chen (鍾慶鎮) was equally eye-catching. The lighting up and handing over of the torch, which represented the inheritance of Hakka culture, and the raising of Liudui flags were some of the other highlights of the ceremony.

A series of performances were brought by Blue Shirts Music and Dance Troupe (藍衫樂舞團), Music Workshop of Three Houses (三間屋樂坊), baseball teams of Neipu and Futian elementary schools, the track and field team of Neipu Junior High School (內埔國中), Chuan-lung Martial Arts Center (傳龍武學), Tang-tsai Dance Troupe (唐采舞蹈團), and Neipu-born singer Kang Lei (康雷) and his son Li Chien-hsuan (李建軒). The history of Hakka immigration, the Liudui militia’s battles, and the origin story of Chang-li Shrine (昌黎祠) were presented. Those performers not only boosted the athletes’ morale but also showcased the diverse facets of Hakka culture.