Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou received the International World Games Association (IWGA) President Ron Froehlich at the Presidential Office to discuss  The World Games 2009 Kaohsiung.

President Ma remarked that The World Games will be held in July in Kaohsiung, while the Deaflympics will be held in September in Taipei, making this the biggest year in sports for all citizens. He commented that only a few events are held on such a large scale anywhere in the world and that everybody is looking forward to the opening of the games.

He said that The World Games have been a focal point of the sporting community since they were first held in 1981. While the sports are different from the ones in the Olympics, they are practised by millions around the world. This explains the popularity of The World Games, he said. Ma stressed that the government will make every effort to support the event.

On 16 July 2008, President Ma had visited Kaohsiung City to attend a parade and other festivities that were staged exactly one year ahead of The World Games. He saw how the residents participated with great enthusiasm then, and he expects the Opening Ceremony on 16 July will be even more exciting for everyone. President Ma commented that construction on the main venues for The World Games 2009 has been completed, and that the new stadium and the arean are some of the most modern in design and functionality.

President Ma thanked Ron Froehlich for his help to the organisers in their preparations for The World Games 2009 Kaohsing. President Froehlich was accompanied on his visit by the IOC Member and Liaison to The World Games, Dr. C.K. Wu, IWGA Secretary General Co Koren, IWGA Sports Director Joachim Gossow, and IWGA Headquarters Manager Patsy Dew.