TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) announced on Monday (Aug. 12) that three F-16V fighter jets will escort the final group of athletes returning from the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on Tuesday.
This gesture aims to convey the nation's gratitude toward the athletes who secured two gold and five bronze medals, following the precedent set during the Tokyo Olympics.
President Lai will also welcome the team at the Presidential Office on Friday (Aug. 16), hosting an "Our Heroes! Team Taiwan" party to celebrate their achievements.
The Presidential Office advised citizens not to be alarmed by the sound of jets on Tuesday morning, referring to it as the "Morning Call" honoring Taiwan's heroes.
On Friday (Aug. 16), after a 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. event at the Presidential Office, the athletes will join the "Taiwan Heroes Parade" (臺灣英雄大遊行) starting at 3 p.m. from the Presidential Office and ending at Zhongshan S. Rd. (中山南路口).
The Presidential Office thanked the Taipei City Government, the Chinese Taipei Olympic Community (中華奧林匹克委員會), and other organizations for their support. They will soon announce detailed plans for the parade and traffic control measures. The public is encouraged to support the athletes and cooperate with police instructions during the event.