2026 International Children's Games (ICG) Kick Off in Hualien! Athletes from 26 Countries Explore Dongdamen Night Market, Praise Taiwan's Cuisine

The 2026 International Children's Games (ICG) are officially underway in Hualien! Athletes and team officials from 26 cities around the world, totaling over 1,800 participants aged 12 to 15, have begun arriving in the city. Under the theme "Shining Hualien, Shining Together!", the event features eight major sports competitions: athletics, swimming, football, tennis, taekwondo, archery, basketball, and table tennis.

Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the ICG brings together youth sports elites aged 12 to 15, organized by city-based delegations to promote international friendship and cultural exchange. On their first evening in Hualien, delegations headed straight to Dongdamen Night Market, where they indulged in local specialties such as bomb scallion pancakes, indigenous cuisine, and grilled corn. The young athletes and staff praised the food enthusiastically, with many exclaiming, "So delicious!"

Hualien Hotel Association Chairperson Zhang Xuanhan noted that over 1,800 foreign athletes and officials are being accommodated daily across six athlete villages and two hotels designated for referees and VIPs, significantly enhancing the region's hospitality and multilingual service capabilities.

The organizing committee has gifted commemorative dolls modeled after the Hualien county bird, the Black-naped Oriole, along with sustainable concept water bottles, reusable toiletries, and local specialty souvenirs to all delegations.

With international teams smoothly completing airport reception, shuttle services, and registration, Hualien's streets are now filled with the vibrant atmosphere of a global sporting event. After completing registration, the athletes' first evening outing was a culinary adventure at Dongdamen Night Market.

Foreign youth athletes and team members raved about indigenous dishes, bomb scallion pancakes, and grilled corn, expressing delight and sharing their experiences on social media. Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei stated, "The ICG is a vital platform to showcase Hualien's soft power to the world. We hope international athletes not only enjoy the competitions but also deeply experience Hualien's natural landscapes and diverse food culture, taking beautiful memories back to their home cities."

International athletes' first stop after arrival was Dongdamen Night Market. (Photo: Hualien County Government)