the Bear, was sold at stalls outside of competition venues.

In addition to ticket and merchandise sales, the influx of visitors from abroad provided knock-on benefits to Taiwan’s economy. Many of the athletes and their relatives and supporters traveled around the country before or after the games, spending money at hotels, restaurants, and, yes, night markets.

Soft power dividend

When weighing the benefits of the Universiade to Taiwan, it is also worthwhile to look at non-economic considerations. Due to the country’s complicated international status, many people who have never been here may believe it to be a Chinese territory. Through the Universiade, not only did more than 10,000 people get a first-hand look at Taiwan, but they shared their experiences with friends, family, and even strangers via social media.

Visiting Taiwan fromthe United Nations. She joined the march for a few blocks and spoke with Taiwanese participants in what she described as a “heartwarming follow-up” to her trip.

Taiwan evidently made a deep impression on athletes and other delegates as well. One of the most visible examples was when Argentinian athletes carried a Republic of China flag as they entered Taipei Stadium for the closing ceremony. The gesture drew a warm response from the crowd – but an official reprimand afterward from FISU for violating IOC protocol.

Matt Painter, head coach of the Purdue University men’s basketball team, which represented the United States and won a silver medal in Taipei, posted a personal message of thanks to the people of Taipei on Twitter. “You treated every visitor and athlete that visited