Sports Ministry Subsidies Benefit Southern Hualien Residents as Happy Sports Center Breaks Ground

A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction for the Yuli Township Happy Sports Center in Hualien County, a project designed to create a high-quality, inclusive sports environment for residents. The event was attended by Lu Chung-jen, counselor for the Ministry of Education, and Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei.

The facility represents a significant investment of over NT$339 million, with the Ministry of Education contributing NT$50 million. Construction is slated for completion by the end of 2027. Lu Chung-jen expressed his hope for a smooth construction process, emphasizing that the center will provide a more comfortable, safe, and versatile indoor sports space for the people of southern Hualien.

Lu highlighted Yuli Township's importance as the hometown of many outstanding athletes and a key transportation hub in the East Rift Valley. He noted that Hualien County's indoor sports facilities are concentrated in the north, and with rising summer temperatures due to climate change, the demand for indoor options has grown. The new center aims to address this need, promote balanced development between urban and rural areas, and ensure sports equity.

According to the Ministry of Education's "114 Sports Status Survey," Hualien County boasts the highest proportion of regular exercisers in Taiwan at 40.2%. The county is also preparing to host the "2026 International Children's Games" in August and the "2026 World Club Dragon Boat Championships" in September, further solidifying its role in international sports exchange.

The Yuli Township Happy Sports Center will feature a range of facilities catering to all ages and interests, including a multi-purpose court, table tennis area, street dance zone, climbing wall, fitness center, and rooms for rhythmic gymnastics and yoga. An outdoor multi-purpose lawn and a five-a-side football field are also planned. The Ministry of Education stated it will continue to collaborate with the Hualien County Government to enhance public sports facilities, overseeing construction quality and progress to ensure timely completion.

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We hope the project proceeds smoothly and provides the people of southern Hualien with a more comfortable, safe, and diverse indoor sports space.