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【Translator：Siou-Yao Han】

【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】

2024-07-30 The "Soccer Industry Park" key piece was completed on July 30th, 2024! National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) President Yueh-Tuan Chen led faculty, students, and guests today (30th) to inaugurate the "Artificial Turf Soccer Field" and unveil the installation art "Legacy and Elevation(傳承躍升)." The field has received the "FIFA QUALITY PRO" certification from the International Federation of Association Football, ensuring faculty and students can safely hone their skills. Additionally, it can host and support major domestic and international competitions, expanding the value chain of the soccer industry.

Yueh-Tuan Chen stated that the National University of Kaohsiung (NUK) has always adhered to the goal of "linking with industry and society" in its governance. Cooperating with national policies, the Ministry of Education approved adding a soccer division to the Department of Athletic Performance in 2022 (academic year 111), establishing a university-level soccer team. Special thanks are given to Shyh-Fang Liu, the Minister of the Interior, for her dedicated efforts in facilitating this during her tenure as a Member of the Legislative Yuan. In December of the same year,  Teng-Chiao Lin, the Administrative Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education, visited the school for an on-site inspection and supported the construction of the artificial turf soccer field on the eastern side of the campus.

Yueh-Tuan Chen said that the construction of the field began in August of the following year (2023) and was completed on schedule this year (2024). Located in the northeastern corner of the campus, it has a total area of 7,384.76 square meters (104.6 meters × 70.6 meters) and received the "FIFA QUALITY PRO" certification from the International Federation of Association Football. This allows faculty and students to improve their skills safely and enables the hosting and supporting of major domestic and international competitions, expanding the value chain of the soccer industry.

Moreover, the installation art "Legacy and Elevation" at the soccer field features silhouettes of different-age soccer players, depicting a continuous motion of playing soccer. It showcases the growth journey of soccer players and conveys the idea of passing down skills and spirit through generations. Furthermore, it is also a symbol that encourages NUK soccer players to demonstrate strong determination and advance into the world's top 100, bringing recognition to Taiwan on the international stage.

In the future, the plans for the soccer field encompass the installation of spectator seating and solar panels. This will not only enhance the benefits of the sports facility and cultivate more soccer players and enthusiasts but also actively respond to the national green energy policy and the "Net Zero 2050" goal. These efforts reflect NUK's commitment to promoting the spirit of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since its establishment nearly two years ago, the NUK soccer team has delivered outstanding performances. Last year (2023), they won the "University Football Association Men's Division 3" championship with a perfect record of 10 wins, earning promotion. This year, they again achieved a perfect record with 13 wins in the "Men's Division 2," claiming the championship title. During this period, they also participated in the "2023 Taiwan Football League Division 2 Qualifiers" and the "2023 Kaohsiung Japan-Taiwan University Football International Friendship Match," promoting university exchanges and city diplomacy between Kaohsiung and Hachioji, Japan.

Teng-Chiao Lin, the Administrative Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education, Chih-Wei Chiu, the Member of the Legislative Yuan, Tsun-Yao Hou, the Director-general of The Sports Development Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government, Jiong-Hui Huang, the President of the Ba Ba Business, Zong-ming Li, the chairman of the National University of Kaohsiung Alumni Association, and Kun-tai Huang, the President of the Jhen Pian Yi Motor World, along with other distinguished guests, attended today's inauguration ceremony to express their support and congratulations.

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