Taiwan hosts ocean rowing event for people with disabilities in Kaohsiung

台灣在高雄舉辦無障礙海上划船比賽

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ocean Affairs Council and the Chinese Taipei Underwater Federation held an ocean rowing event for people with disabilities on Sunday at a fishing harbor in Kaohsiung’s Mituo District, as part of efforts to create accessible marine recreational spaces.

At the event’s opening ceremony, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said the council subsidized the city government to build Taiwan’s first accessible rowing assistance platform at the harbor. She noted the council plans to construct seven additional similar facilities over the next four years, per CNA.

The council said the facility includes a sloped ramp, an anchored floating platform, and electric-assisted equipment, making it easier for wheelchair users and the elderly to enter the water safely. Water activity areas for people with disabilities used to rely on scaffolds or temporary platforms, which demanded heavy manpower and posed safety risks.

Kuan said the council will continue subsidizing four local governments, nine schools, and 12 private organizations to host similar events this year. To date, the agency has helped 2,500 people with disabilities take part in these activities and use inclusive playgrounds and accessible facilities.

In October, the council held an accessible ocean event in Pingtung for more than 120 people with disabilities and seniors, featuring hydrotherapy and basic rowing lessons.

From May to September, the council hosted three seawater experience events for people with disabilities and two workshops on accessible services. In September, a similar event at Fulong Beach in New Taipei drew over 200 participants, with Taiwan Railways providing accessible shuttle services.