Taiwan’s non-resident ambassadors visit International Ice Hockey Federation, committed to sports diplomacy.

On March 14, Sophiyah Liu, the Ambassador at Large of the Republic of China (Taiwan), revisited the National Hockey League (NHL) in the United States to reunite with the team that had previously mentored her. Liu had participated in the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) organized by the U.S. State Department in 2017, during which she underwent a three-week internship with the NHL. This visit held a special significance for her, as she returned to the familiar grounds with a sense of nostalgia and aimed to further promote the development of women’s sports through this interaction.

In her media interview at the Taiwan Representative Office in New York on Friday afternoon, Ambassador Liu discussed her initial exposure to the concept of “sports diplomacy” during her internship with the NHL facilitated by the GSMP in 2017. This program enabled her to understand how sports can empower women, foster self-identity, and promote social engagement. She also touched upon the possibility of organizing exchange activities similar to “Taiwan Day at the Mets” in the future to enhance awareness of ice hockey in Asia.

Ambassador Liu, Taiwan’s first female international baseball referee, was honored with the International Olympic Committee’s “Women and Sport Award” in 2019. She candidly shared her challenges faced when she began her career as a baseball referee in 2006, including limited resources, gender biases, and the lack of suitable protective gear for female referees. With the sponsorship and support from the New York Yankees and the renowned protective gear brand All-Star in the United States, she expressed gratitude for the assistance received on her journey, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself and the impact of having benefactors.

This international support not only enabled her to sustain her personal professional career but also profoundly influenced her understanding of sports policies and industry development.

Ambassador Liu highlighted the business model of American professional sports leagues, particularly in promoting women’s involvement in sports, as a model worth referencing and learning from for Taiwan. She noted that these leagues prioritize female fans not merely for political correctness or idealism but because studies confirm that mothers often influence children’s participation in sports, particularly during the golden ages of seven to ten when preferences for sports are established. This influence also shapes the future sports consumption market and audience demographics. Therefore, investing in women’s sports is synonymous with expanding future markets, realizing mutual benefits.

In conclusion, Ambassador Liu emphasized, “Investing in women is the best investment because when you help a girl succeed, she will give back to her family and society. You have a girl, You have a family.”