Soccer game aims to promote Taiwan-Latin America bond

Taipei, Sept. 12 (CNA) An annual soccer game to be played by Latin Americans in Taiwan will aim to bring people from the region and Taiwan closer together and share the fun of the sport with the world, where most people's lives are disrupted due to the COVID-19, organizers said on Friday.

In its 7th year, Copa America Taiwan will extend its reach to Taiwanese audience this year by working with local partners - the Taiwan Digital Diplomacy Association (TDDA) and Guatemalan Association in Taiwan - for the first time, the group said.

Using the game of soccer as a way to connect people is a good idea as the sport is in the blood of Latin Americans, said Juan Fernando Herrera Ramos, the organizer of Copa America Taiwan.

It is what everyone in the Latin American region plays and watches when growing up, said the Honduran.

"So for us, (it) is more than just a game, (it) is a way to connect to each other, to become friends, and it really makes us feel like we are at home," he told CNA.

During the free Oct. 17-18 event at Fu Jen Catholic University, more than 20 teams from 12 countries - including Paraguay, Belize, Panama and Taiwan - will take part, Ramos said.

There will be men's games, women's games and for the first time, games for children aged under 10, with Taiwan participating in all three categories, according to the tournament.

Music performances and Latin American cuisine will also be offered at the event, Ramos said, adding that he hopes the number of people going to the event will surpass the 1,000 participants last year to reach 1,500 this year.

It is hoped that the event will help connect Taiwan with the global community at a time when many international exchanges are forced to be suspended, said TDDA Chairwoman Kuo Chia-yo (郭家佑).

"There are 760,000 foreign nationals in Taiwan, and they are actually the best channel through which we can stay in touch with the world," she said.

The organizers said they are carrying out a fundraiser to produce and publish event footage on Latin American media and social networking online sites.