The Chiayi County Government, in partnership with National Chung Cheng University (CCU), launched the 2026 “Love Sports, Move Without Barriers” Adapted Sports Promotion Program on May 17 at the CCU Gymnasium. Representatives from the Chiayi County Government and CCU, alongside program ambassador Hsiang-Wen Hsiao, jointly inaugurated the initiative. Through close collaboration among local government, academic, and community resources, the program aimed to progressively lower barriers to sports participation for individuals with disabilities while creating a more accessible, diverse, and inclusive athletic environment.

Guided by the Sports Administration under the Ministry of Education, organized by the Chiayi County Government, and implemented by CCU, the initiative designated the CCU Gymnasium as its primary venue. A total of 68 free, regularly scheduled adapted and inclusive sports sessions were organized, expecting to draw approximately 5,000 participant visits. Individuals with disabilities were projected to account for at least 50 percent of total attendance. Caregivers, companions, older adults, and members of the general public were also actively encouraged to participate.

The program's initial offerings encompassed adapted physical fitness, strength and cardiovascular training, boccia, inclusive badminton, table tennis, movement and rhythm activities, stretching, and yoga. Course content and formats were tailored dynamically to fit participants' physical capabilities, athletic skill, age, and personalized needs, empowering people of diverse backgrounds to discover suitable forms of exercise.

Along with introducing the program, the kickoff event included a guided facility tour, offering guests firsthand insight into the athletic spaces and equipment at the CCU Gymnasium. Moving forward, beyond leveraging the gymnasium’s accessible fitness areas and courts, organizers planned to evaluate additional sports venues across the CCU campus according to curriculum design and participant demand, aiming to provide a broader array of athletic opportunities.

The Deputy Director-General of the Education Department of the Chiayi County Government noted that physical exercise serves not only as a vital avenue for health promotion, but also as a bridge for interpersonal engagement and social inclusion. Many individuals with disabilities and older adults face restricted sports access due to environmental, transportation, informational, or programming barriers. Through this initiative, the County Government aimed to better understand user requirements, gain practical service insight, align pertinent resources, and progressively establish a supportive, barrier-free sports environment.

Jun-Ru Liao, Director of the Physical Education Center at CCU, stated that adapted sports constitute a major policy initiative championed by the Sports Administration, anchored in the principles of “equal access to sports” and “inclusion for the common good.” Consequently, the program focused on key groups, including individuals with disabilities, older adults, and pregnant women. Activities, equipment, regulations, and support services were flexibly adjusted to meet participant needs. Throughout the early phase of execution, organizers continued gathering participant feedback to pinpoint the specific sports preferences of different demographics, using these insights to optimize future courses.

Ai-Tzu Li, Chief Secretary of CCU, emphasized that the university motto—“To innovate with earnestness; be virtuous with altruism”—was authentically exemplified through this program. By applying academic expertise and innovative methods to reduce entry barriers for diverse groups, and by extending university knowledge into the community to meet societal needs, the program demonstrated CCU's dedication to social responsibility and its commitment to building an inclusive society where everyone can thrive.

Looking ahead, the Chiayi County Government and CCU planned to continue identifying and evaluating local assets for adapted and inclusive sports. Based on program performance, both partners aimed to advance resource integration, public outreach, and professional talent cultivation. Through these concerted efforts, they sought to inspire more people to embrace physical activity, transforming sports into an accessible, lifelong habit for all.