Mr. Yu-ping Chao Education • BA in Chinese Literature, Chinese Culture University     Current position • Secretary-General of Chinese Taipei Sports Association of the Deaf

1) Chinese Taipei Sports Association of the Deaf

Q1： Why did you devote yourself to deaf sports? Why were you so assertive in representing Taiwan to win the bid to host the Deaflympics?
A1： I started to care about the welfare of the hearing-impaired persons in Taiwan since youth. Deaf sports were a part of it. Many hearing-impaired friends suggested that we try to forward the bid to host the 2009 Deaflympics. And with support from the government, as it turned out, we won the bid in the end.

Q2： What obstacles do you think the hearing-impaired persons have to overcome to participate in sports?
A2： The biggest obstacle for the hearing-impaired persons who want to participate in sports lies in communication. Just like we are sitting here having the interview with me using the sign language and you using the spoken language, we would need a translator for both sides to understand each other.

Q3： Given the differences between Taiwan Sign Language and the International Sign Language, how could the deaf players in Taiwan communicate with other players during the course of international sports events?
A3： Although there are differences in the sign languages of various countries, there are also common grounds. As long as the deaf players are willing to learn, they will find these common grounds easily. This, therefore, is not an issue.

Q4： It is difficult for deaf sports to obtain funding from corporations. What do you think they should do to attract sponsorships?
A4： Deaf sports are sports for the underprivileged. Hence, it attracts little attention from the general public and making it difficult to obtain sponsorships from companies. Most of our resources, therefore, come from the government in the form of grants.

Q5： What can Taiwan do to sustain its position in international deaf sports events?
A5： Currently, Taiwan’s position in international deaf sports events is quite solid. The next step is to cultivate more talents to participate in these sports events in a continuous manner. It would be even better to get involved in the operations of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf, so that we can voice out for Taiwan.

Q6： What are the advantages or disadvantages of the efforts the Deaf Women's Basketball Team has made to find resources from the society?
A6： Although the Sports Administration provides great support, they could not satisfy all demands given the limited funding. We are therefore glad to see such efforts. With the help and guidance of their coaches, I believe that they will find even more resources in the future.

Q7： After the 2009 Deaflympics, how can deaf sports retain continual public attention and social concern?
A7： Given the low visibility of deaf sports, they receive very little social attention. I hope that when you kids grow up and become influential, you will share your concern for deaf sports with others.