Taipei Assassins’ victory at the S2WC had far-reaching effects in their home country.
Taipei Assassins may have been more than happy with a $1 million USD prize from the season two finals, but their victory has had even wider ramifications in Taiwan. Their success has led politicians in the country to institute “cyber sports” as a recognised sport in the country, qualifying it for government funding.
Politicians on each side of the political divide agreed to the decision after the Chairman of a Taiwanese League called on politicians on the current government for assistance. TPA’s international success helped to sway politicians to act, while team leader Chen Hui-chung claimed that the help was needed for Taiwan to stay on par with other countries.
Chen asked the government to help players make professional gaming an achievable goal, by supporting them when they need to miss school for tournaments. The pleas struck a chord with Fang Jui-wen, Section Chief of Sports Affairs Council, who said that he will subsidise Taiwanese competitors in 2013 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. The event will feature esports when the even takes place in Korea next year. However, he also noted that this is a temporary measure, as the SAC itself does not yet fully accept gaming as a sport.
Links
Focus Taiwan - Source
Taipei Assassins may have been more than happy with a $1 million USD prize from the season two finals, but their victory has had even wider ramifications in Taiwan. Their success has led politicians in the country to institute “cyber sports” as a recognised sport in the country, qualifying it for government funding.
Politicians on each side of the political divide agreed to the decision after the Chairman of a Taiwanese League called on politicians on the current government for assistance. TPA’s international success helped to sway politicians to act, while team leader Chen Hui-chung claimed that the help was needed for Taiwan to stay on par with other countries.
Chen asked the government to help players make professional gaming an achievable goal, by supporting them when they need to miss school for tournaments. The pleas struck a chord with Fang Jui-wen, Section Chief of Sports Affairs Council, who said that he will subsidise Taiwanese competitors in 2013 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. The event will feature esports when the even takes place in Korea next year. However, he also noted that this is a temporary measure, as the SAC itself does not yet fully accept gaming as a sport.
Links
Focus Taiwan - Source
