The Sports Administration witnessed the signing ceremony between the ICG President and Hualien County for the 2026 International Children’s Games
The 58th International Children’s Games (ICG) will be held in Hualien County in August 2026. On May 16, witnessed by the Sports Administration (SA), Hualien County Mayor Ms. Hsu Chen-Wei and ICG President Mr. Igor Topole signed the official host city agreement, formally launching preparations for the event.
ICG is an international sports organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It brings together children aged 12 to 15, with teams organized by cities. Rather than focusing on competition, ICG emphasizes cultural exchange and friendship, aiming to help young participants learn about the unique characteristics of different cities and cultures, while fostering international understanding and competitiveness through sports. Most ICG member cities are based in Europe. Hualien County will host the 58th ICG in 2026, following Taipei (2002) and New Taipei (2016)—marking the third time Taiwan hosts this event.
The SA stated that Hualien County’s selection to host the 2026 ICG reflects strong support from the ICG headquarters. Hosting such events boosts international exchange, sports tourism, and offers valuable global competition opportunities for young athletes in Taiwan. The 2026 ICG will feature eight sports: athletics, swimming, 3-on-3 basketball, taekwondo, table tennis, tennis, football, and archery—held at various stadiums and schools in Hualien County. Around 1,500 young athletes from over 30 countries and 70 cities will participate. Local governments are encouraged to form teams to take part, expanding international exposure and cultural exchange for Taiwan’s youth.
The SA has announced that the Ministry of Sports will be officially established in September 2025, marking a new era for Taiwan’s sports policy. The goal is to create a sports-powered Taiwan focused on equality, inclusion, and sustainability. By expanding public participation in sports and encouraging related consumption, the Ministry of Sports aims to stimulate the sports economy and drive the development of the sports industry. Through hosting international sporting events with a Taiwan brand, cultivating global sports professionals, and establishing a sports diplomacy network, the Ministry will seek to enhance Taiwan’s international presence and influence, leveraging sports as a powerful tool to strengthen diplomacy and raise its profile globally.
