With the World Masters Games 2025 Taipei & New Taipei City opening its schedule, President of the International Masters Games Association (IMGA) Sergii Bubka also arrived in Taipei to join the event. Bubka lauded the organizing capabilities and facilities planning of the WMG2025 Executive Committee “Amazing” and calls it a great success. Bubka mentioned that the age group of athletes, which spans from middle-aged to centenarians, demonstrates the value of agelessness in sports, which moved him very much.
Bubka, 61, praised as “The Pole Vault Birdman,” is from Ukraine and has won six consecutive IAAF World Championships and one gold medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He broke the world record for Men’s Pole Vault 35 times and was the first pole vault athlete to clear 6m and 6.15m. He now serves as a member of the International Olympic Committee, playing an important role in international sports.
“It’s amazing to see a 97-year-old lady (Tang Cheng-Yao) compete in the pool! It moves many people. They’re all athletes, and exercising makes them healthy.” Bubka said when he visited the swimming pool at the World Masters Games. He emphasized that Masters Sports not only advance health and longevity but also provide the joy of enjoying competition and friendship for the participants.
Bubka thanked the WMG2025 Executive Committee specifically, and call it a great successful event, “It’s amazing that everything is organized at such a high level.” The World Masters Games Taipei City and New Taipei City are amazing! Everything is organized at such a high level. It’s really a top event, from the service, facilities, volunteers, judges, the WMG2025 Executive Committee, and the fantastic opening, shows the complete devotion in all details.”
Bubka also wishes all the participants enjoy the games, keep healthy, and build friendships. The core of the Masters Games is “Lifelong Participation”, and the most precious value of the games is to keep all ages active through competitions.
