Fun and Games in South Taiwan

By David Barker Translated by Annie Liu

Everyone knows South Taiwan is loaded with things to do and see. There are cultural and historical sights, natural wonders, exciting nightclubs and shopping spots. Many of these things we start to take for granted as we settle into our lifestyles. However, our minds and bodies crave other things. We long for the primal rush of exercise, competition and camaraderie. Team sports are a way to access these feelings we subconsciously harbour. So where in Kaohsiung can one get involved in organized exercise? Sure there are gyms and pools, but when one needs the motivation, inspiration and feeling of a team sport, where does one turn?

In this issue of FYI South, we explore a few of the sports options available in the Kaohsiung area. To begin with, let's discuss the subject of rugby! Everyone knows this sport is popular across Europe and in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, but did you know that it is booming across South Taiwan? It's true. There are several teams in the Kaohsiung area alone, and it's even more popular in Tainan. There are teams at most universities and even some at the various military bases. If you are interested in participating or even going to watch, the major local team practices on Sundays at 4 p.m. in the park behind Outdoor Cafe This is located at the intersection between JhongShan and JhongHua Roads. While the team tries to have one serous game a month, they typically play a non-contact version known as 'touch rugby', so don't worry. Get your cleats on and check it out! In Kaohsiung, contact Dan Powell at 0929-701-353 or email danbafallo6@hotmail.com. In Tainan, get in touch with the fine folks at Cosby Saloon II, located at 711, SiMen 1st Road on (06) 221-7733.

Next up on our grand tour of southern Taiwan sports is the legendary Hash House Harriers. The HASH runners are a social and athletic group that has been organizing group runs for well over 30 years. If you are interested in checking out the local scenery, meeting some great people and getting a little exercise, call up Sean Sartison in Kaohsiung at 0931-239-850. Or, if you are in Tainan, e-mail tainanhash@hotmail.com. There are fun runs on Sundays for the whole family and others throughout the week. You can get more information at www.wufu.info

The biggest sport in the world, football, is also big in southern Taiwan. Known to some as soccer, this sport is huge worldwide for good reason. If you are looking for some solid exercise and an exciting way to do it, check out one of southern Taiwan's soccer teams. The Pacers are an established team in Kaohsiung. They hold night practices every Wednesday and games, both competitive and fun, are held most Sunday afternoons. The team regularly participates in national and international tournaments. If this sounds like your cup of tea, call Steve at 0930-890-400. Another local institution is Kaohsiung Massive Football Club. Bringing a little flavour to the local footie scene, the Massive lads hold pitch-black practices Tuesdays at 10 p.m. and play games on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Go to SanMin High School on BoAi Road in Kaohsiung to see what it's all about. You can contact Martin at 0916-998-606 or surf on over to www.MassiveFC.com.

Basketball must be one of the most popular sports in Taiwan. Some people claim that baseball is number one, but go to any school in Kaohsiung and tell me what sport the kids are playing. It's all about the roundball. So if you are sick of shooting hoops at your local court, and want to go where the game is, pay attention. The word on the street is that the best pick-up games are at the JhongJheng Courts, located near the freeway on JhongJheng Road. A group of ex-pat basketball players meet Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. It's a recreational game, and anyone is welcome. For those looking for a challenge, go to the courts on Wednesday nights at 9 p.m., when local ballers come out to show off their A-game. Good courts are also available on the corner of BoAi and MingCheng Roads or at Xiong Gong High School on JianGong Road. Another popular small court is near the corner of MinZu and ShihCuan Roads. Local hiphop artist Diz Dallas is a regular at the JhongJheng Courts. He said there are frequent tournaments, contests and even international events. Diz told me he loves to dunk on locals and foreigners alike, so anyone is welcome to attend the local basketball games.

A wise man once said: There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who love cricket, and those who can't understand cricket. Regardless of which one you are, you might be interested to know that cricket fanatics can be found in all corners of the planet, including southern Taiwan. The Kaohsiung Cricket Club was formed in 1985 and has been going strong since. There are currently at least eight established cricket clubs in Taiwan. They like to regularly meet up for matches and tournaments. There are two planned events in the coming months. For information, you can contact Peter at 0920-376-611 or surf on over to www.geocities.com/kaohsiungccc. You might also bump into the guys watching a match on TV at The Lighthouse Bar & Grill, their sponsoring pub.

Last but not least is a sport that is relatively new on the Taiwan sports scene, Ultimate Frisbee. It's a combination of football and rugby, but with a Frisbee instead of a ball. It's quite popular in North America, but it's still up and coming in Asia. There are about half a dozen ultimate teams in Taiwan. Every few months they get together for a tournament or a party, and Taiwan even sends a team to international tournaments a few times a year. The local team, Kaohsiung Black Lung has been playing consistently for about 5 years. Their current home is the sports field inside Xiong Gong school on JianGong Road, near the intersection of JianGong and DaShun Roads. Regular throw-arounds and practices take place every Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. For information, please contact Rory at 0925-359-385. You might also see a few Black Lung jerseys seated at the team sponsor, Bagel Bagel.

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/Kaohsiungblacklung/
Well there you have it! There are countless other sports opportunities to be found in South Taiwan, but here are some great choices to begin with.
Rugby: Dan Powell - 0929-701-353
Hash House Harriers Running Club: Sean Sartison 0931-239-850
Basketball: JhongJheng Courts (Under the freeway near JhongJheng Road)
Cricket: Peter - 0920-376-611
Frisbee: Rory Crockford - 0925-359-385
(Or have a look at the Clubs/Orgs/ Sports section on page 47 and 48)