Author(s): CHEN, S., CHIN, H.P., Institution: NATIONAL KAOHSIUNG NORMAL UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 542

There are sixteen distinct indigenous tribes in Taiwan with a number around 590 thousand people, 2.6% of the total population. Despite being a minority in society, Aboriginal athletes have represented Taiwan with excellent talents while delivering exceptional performances on the sporting field. Therefore, the government specifically organizes the National Indigenous Games to discover more athletic talents from aboriginals, and the Game is divided into two major categories of modern sports and traditional sports. This research employs historical research method, to collect the National Indigenous Games related archives and historical materials, aiming to investigate the historical trajectory of the Games. The research found: 1. The National Indigenous Games has been hosted since 1994, occurring once every two years. Being held for the 16th time today, it has become the essential sporting event for the aboriginal community and recognized as one of the three most important athletic games in Taiwan. In the traditional sports category, five competitions are included: hunting, traditional dance, traditional archery, traditional wrestling, and weight-carrying relay. 1 to 3 extra competitions are selected based upon living habits of aboriginals in the host city. In the modern sports, six competitions are included: track and field, taekwondo, judo, basketball, baseball and softball, along with 1 to 3 selective competitions. To sum, the National Indigenous Games not only feature modern sports to discover athletic talents for Taiwan, but also incorporate traditional sports, preserving the valuable traditions of aboriginal sporting culture.