Special Olympics Chinese Taipei Team returned to Taiwan in the morning of February 17 and was welcomed by Mr. Ma Yingjiu in the afternoon, for their scored 6 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals in 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

The 59-member SO team was consisted of 36 athletes, 9 coaches, 2 meeting representatives and other support staff. Led by Mr. Chen Hsien Chung and Mr. Bai Hsiu-Hsiung, they left for Boise, Idaho on February 4 to attend the games.

Chinese Taipei competed in Snowshoeing, Floor Hockey, Figure Skating and Speed Skating four events and goaled finally 6 gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals. Mr. Chen was also invited to award the Snowshoeing winners.

US Vice President Joe Biden appeared on the opening ceremony and presented medals to Figure Skating athletes. The photo was the headline of Boise Statesmen, the biggest local newspaper.

Special Olympics also provided Healthy Athletes Mefest to winter games athletes, which did great help to some Chinese Taipei athletes who were short-sighted or hard-of-hearing but never aware of that before. After the examination, these athletes obtained glasses and hearing aid of over USD 200. Our aboriginal athlete Mr. Liu Chih Hua was specially cared and the story was reported on the local press.