The Welcome Ceremony of the World Masters Games 2025 Taipei & New Taipei City took place tonight (May 17) at the Taipei Dome, launching this highly anticipated global sporting event. Before the ceremony, the “Dream Masters Parade” kicked off the festivities, beginning at 5:50 pm in front of Taipei City Hall and concluding at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. The parade brought together over 8,500 registered athletes and team staff, joined by cheering crowds lining the route in a joyful and energetic ambience.
The theme of the Welcome Ceremony was “We share the same sky”, symbolizing unity and inclusiveness through the power of the sun, offering guests a stunning, immersive audiovisual experience filled with vibrant cultural performances. Dignitaries in attendance included Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-Ih, IMGA President Sergii Bubka, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and national and local leaders. More than 18,000 of athletes, supporters, and spectators packed Taipei Dome, bringing their passion and vitality as they witnessed this historic moment together.
The ceremony’s formal segment “Friends Around the World” included speeches from IMGA President Bubka, Taipei Mayor Chiang, and New Taipei Mayor Hou and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim appearing in person to welcome athletes.
In his speech, IMGA President Sergii Bubka said it was a joy and an honour to welcome athletes from around the world in person, praising the Masters spirit of resilience, health, and values, and noting the significance of this reunion, eight years after the 2017 Auckland Games. The Games go beyond competition, he said, and stand as a tribute to dedication, perseverance, and human potential. President Bubka wished athletes a memorable experience and the chance to explore Taipei and New Taipei City’s rich culture and landscapes.
Taipei Mayor Chiang, Wan-An stated during his speech, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the International Masters Games Association for giving us this opportunity to bring together over 25,000 athletes and team officials from 107 countries. Here, we transcend the boundaries of race, culture, and language to share peace and joy.” Mayor Chiang also pointed out that “World Masters Games 2025 Taipei & New Taipei City marks the first time the event has ever been held in Asia, and the number of participants has also set a new record for international multisport events hosted in our city. It is a great honor for us to showcase Taipei’s profound capabilities in organizing international sporting events, while fully demonstrating the confidence, passion, and vitality of our city.”
Mayor Chiang further emphasized that “Taipei is a vibrant city rich in tourism resources and supported by a highly convenient transportation network. It is a city where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, and where urban landscapes coexist with nature. Taipei’s diversity and inclusiveness place it at the forefront of global cities. Over the next two weeks, we invite you all to experience the excitement of the games, immerse yourselves in our vibrant culture, and enjoy the incredible food. We hope you‘ll discover the unique charm that makes Taipei such a special city, and unleash our fullest potential and embody the spirit of the World Masters Games – “Sports Beyond Age, Life Without Limits” – while experiencing the irresistible charm of Taipei, the City of Sports.”
New Taipei City Mayor Hou, Yu-Ih said, “The World Masters Games 2025 Taipei & New Taipei City is the largest international sporting event that Taiwan ever held, and New Taipei City is ready to welcome every athlete and guest from around the world. We are also eager to share the rich cultural heritage of both New Taipei and Taipei City. Over the next fourteen days, New Taipei citizens will be the most enthusiastic cheerleaders on the sidelines, to build the bridges of international friendship with smiles, and to bring people closer with a simple greeting.
Tonight’s spectacular ceremony kicked off the World Masters Games 2025 Taipei & New Taipei City in a grand convergence of sport, culture, and friendship. From tonight, competitions are underway. Athletes from across the globe will give their all-in events running until May 30, when the Farewell Ceremony will take place at 7 pm at the New Taipei City Art Museum to conclude the tournament with a beautiful ending.
