2025-9-19

On August 20, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a reception for the winners of the Babe Ruth Softball 16U World Series—the girls' softball team of Beitou Junior High School in Taiwan. Lin personally congratulated the players, who traveled to the United States to compete in the event in August. The minister also commended Ambassador-at-Large Liu Po-chun, who personally led the team. Lin praised her efforts in promoting sports diplomacy and her contributions to empowering young people in Taiwan.

Speaking at the event, Liu thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for its support. She said that the team had taken advantage of the opportunity of competing in the United States to visit the US State Department and the Washington Nationals baseball team to conduct sports diplomacy exchanges. Liu encouraged the players to continue to work hard and make their country proud. Chen You-hua, Director of Student Affairs at Beitou Junior High School, said the competition win was not just a victory for the team but a triumph for grassroots sports and civic diplomacy. Representing the players, Guo Li-yu shared her pride at hearing the national anthem being played abroad. She also thanked Taiwan’s mission and the overseas community for all the assistance and comfort they offered during the contest. 

Lin joined the squad in dancing and singing along to their cheerleading song. MOFA prepared a softball championship cake and pastries for the reception, symbolizing the sweet taste of victory. To encourage the players to pursue their dreams, MOFA also presented them with keychains and travel bags embossed with their uniform numbers and the words Team Taiwan. Lin further thanked Liu for her long-standing work in promoting the development of women’s softball and sports diplomacy. He said she had elevated many outstanding youths to the international stage and helped the world see Taiwan.