TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) opened the 12th National Scout Jamboree in Tainan on Thursday (July 11).

According to a Presidential Office press release, Lai welcomed over 8,000 scouts from 18 countries gathered at Tsou Ma Lai Farm. The president said he hoped that everyone would work together in the future and create a sense of pride in scouting, per CNA.

Lai said scouting activities are an important link between countries and that hosting the National Scout Jamboree shows Taiwan's commitment to maintaining scouting spirit. Taiwan is willing to participate in scouting events in the Asia-Pacific, he added.

Lai explained that the organizers chose one of Tainan’s most renowned camping sites. He encouraged participants to cherish this opportunity to make friends with other scouts.

After his speech, Lai presented an award to Wang Tsong-wei (王從瑋), a scout who earlier this year performed CPR on a patient in an emergency before the ambulance arrived, saving the person’s life.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) said due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Scout Jamboree is being held again after six years. He welcomed scouts from across the world to Tsou Ma Lai Farm and hoped everyone would have a rewarding experience.

The 12th National Jamboree will run from July 10-16.