My first time in Taiwan～The Paragliding World Cup Pre-Qualifier

Article by Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported

The Republic of China Hang Gliding and Paragliding Sports Federation applied to the Paragliding World Cup Association (PWCA) to host the Asian leg in Taiwan. The “2012 Paragliding World Cup Taiwan Pre-Qualifier” will be held from February 24 to 28 at Siaogang Air Park in Pingtung County. Nearly 170 domestic and international athletes from 13 countries, including the US, Japan, and South Korea, are expected to compete. This marks the first time an international paragliding event is taking place in Taiwan!

This event is organized by the Pingtung County Aviation Sports Association under the Republic of China Soaring Association and the Republic of China Aviation Sports Association. The organizers noted that Siaogang Air Park was planned and established by Pingtung County Government in 1983 (Republic of China Year 72). With stable airflow and open terrain, it is the only winter flying site in East Asia, often attracting flying enthusiasts from Japan and South Korea. It has previously hosted related international competitions and is considered the birthplace of domestic flight sports.

In recent years, under the promotion of Pingtung County Government and the Maolin National Scenic Area Administration, Saiga Aviation Park has been fully planned with designated activity airspace and takeoff/landing areas, becoming one of Pingtung’s key destinations for 3D tourism. The pre-event of the Paragliding World Cup Taiwan stop was chosen to be held here precisely because of its outstanding airspace conditions. PWCA is also considering evaluating the possibility of establishing a regular competition base in Taiwan in the future. This flying event is also the largest-scale one since Pingtung began developing paragliding sports.

The organizing committee is actively preparing for the event, and recently many domestic top pilots have been coming for test flights and practice to gear up for this international competition. The organizers stated that currently registered participants include world’s top 100 ranked pilots, elite athletes selected for the Red Bull Dolomitenmann Challenge, as well as representatives from the world’s largest paragliding manufacturer. It is a high-level competition rarely seen in Taiwan, and the public is welcome to come cheer for the athletes.

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