Group photo of distinguished guests
Taipei --- The "Love Taiwan, Support Paralympics 2026 Celebrity Charity Concert International Press Conference" hosted by the Chinese Paralympic Federation and the Taiwan Charity Federation was held at the International Hall of the Ministry of Education's Sports Administration this morning ( 18th ). Mr. Andrew Parsons, Chairman of the International Paralympic Committee ( IPC ) , led a delegation to the scene to unveil the event, and gathered with domestic and foreign sports celebrities, government representatives, special education schools, and art and cultural groups to speak for the spirit of the Paralympics and kick off Taiwan's annual charity sports celebration.
In his speech, President Parsons
said: "I feel very honored to come to beautiful Taiwan as the President of
the International Paralympic Committee and to be invited to participate in this
grand event full of love and hope. Here, I not only feel the warm hospitality,
but also deeply appreciate the great importance and practical actions of
Taiwanese society for diversity and inclusion and the rights of people with
disabilities. The spirit of Paralympic has never been just the glory of
competition, but the process of every athlete and every supporter pursuing
fairness, dignity and opportunity together. I believe that the 2026 Celebrity
Charity Concert is a perfect symbol - through music, we convey understanding
and care; through charity, we promote social connection and support."
This charity concert aims to raise
resources for Paralympics athletes and disadvantaged groups through the
combination of music and sports, and to enhance the society's awareness and
support for the Paralympics. The event is expected to be held in 2026 , and
well-known artists from home and abroad will be invited to participate. All
proceeds will be used to support the training and living needs of Taiwan's
Paralympics athletes, as well as to care for disadvantaged groups with
disabilities.
Ms. Mu Minzhu, President of the
Chinese Paralympic Federation, said: "We hope that through this event, we
can strengthen the society's recognition and support for the Paralympics, show
the power of Taiwan's kindness, and convey the spirit of inclusion of 'no
barriers, no borders'." Zheng Longshui, President of the Taiwan Charity
Federation, also said at the press conference: "Charity is not a temporary
donation, but a long-term companionship. This charity concert brings all
sectors of society together to ignite the flame of hope for the Paralympic
athletes. The Taiwan Charity Federation will continue to pay attention and take
practical actions to become the strongest backing for these athletes. We
believe that every applause and every bit of support is the beginning of
change."
The press conference was
star-studded. In addition to President Parsons and his wife Marcela
Parsons , IPC Vice President Duane
Kale , IPC Committee Member Robyn Smith OAM , Oceania
Paralympics President Paul Bird OAM and other heavyweight
international sports guests attended. Organizer Mu Minzhu said: " The
2026 Celebrity Charity Concert is not only to raise resources for
Paralympics athletes, but also a social action for the inclusion of all
people."
The performances were moving, with
the cheerleading team from Taipei Special Education School and the Taipei Deaf
School Sign Language Singing Team performing authentically, delivering silent
but heart-stirring power. Olympic silver medalist Yang Yongwei and Paralympic
gold medalist Li Qingzhong took the stage to share their personal experiences,
inspiring the audience.
The popular girl group GENBLUE also
announced that they would become the "Para Sports Promotion
Ambassadors" and donated 5% of their annual revenue to support Para athletes,
symbolizing the entertainment industry's support for charity sports. The
group's representative said: "We will take action and work as hard as the
athletes to shine on the international stage!"
At the end of the event, IPC
Chairman Parsons and Chinese Paralympic Association President Mu Minzhu
personally presented medals of appreciation and promotion ambassador
certificates to commend all sectors for their contributions to the Paralympic
movement. The atmosphere on the scene was warm and enthusiastic, bringing the
press conference to a successful conclusion.