The New Taipei City Government has long been committed to sustainable urban development and social equality. The Rainbow Stand at Banqiao Stadium, which was officially opened in February 2026, is not only a facelift for the stadium, but also a physical declaration that proclaims the integration of sports equality into public spaces. Adorned with six colors—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet—the grandstand encircles the track and field, transforming the public works project from mere infrastructure construction into a diverse and inclusive urban landmark. The facility is also an active response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 Reduced Inequalities and SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.
From Spatial Transformation to Sports Events
In New Taipei City, sports equality is not just a visual symbol, but has been concretely implemented in the design of competition systems. On the opening day of the Rainbow Stand at Banqiao Stadium, the first Color Relay was also held. Visually impaired athletes and local running teams from New Taipei City participated together, embodying the practice and continuation of sports equality.
The Wan Jin Shi Marathon, which just concluded in March 2026 in New Taipei City, also adopted sports equality as its main theme. The organiser added a non-binary gender group for the first time, and set up pacers for the visually impaired in both the Marathon and Challenge Run categories. Furthermore, 500 women-only slots were allocated for the 10-km Challenge Run category. The design of the event sought to encourage more runners from different backgrounds to participate in sports. Additionally, the relevant measures embodied forward-thinking and deepened the core spirit of “no limits to exercise,” allowing every participant to run freely and challenge themselves.
Putting People First, Fulfilling the Promise of Leaving No One Behind
Being “people-oriented” is the most important value of New Taipei City’s sustainability initiatives. From the spatial transformation of Banqiao Stadium to the institutional innovation of Wan Jin Shi Marathon, and the upcoming National Disabled Games, New Taipei City is building a comprehensive sports equality ecosystem by creating symbolic public spaces and practical competition mechanisms in hopes of becoming a model for promoting sports equality and social integration in the Asia-Pacific region. As it continues to grow and progress, New Taipei City will consistently promote the integration of infrastructure, practice the ideal of “Leave No One Behind,” and contribute to the sustainable development of the Asia-Pacific region.
Sources:
- Rainbow Stand at Banqiao Stadium Unveiled (Sports Department Press Release 2026-02-26)
- Banqiao Stadium Gets a Makeover! Dr. Yu-Ih Hou Unveils Rainbow Stand to Promote Sports Equality (Department of Information Press Release 2026-02-26)
- 2026 New Taipei City Wan Jin Shi Marathon Kicks Off at Dawn Kenya’s Enock ONCHARI and Catherine CHEROTICH Claim Championships (Sports Department Press Release 2026-3-15)
Unveiling the dazzling Rainbow Stands at Banqiao Stadium, a sports landmark in New Taipei City.
The Color Relay is a joint effort between visually impaired runners and local running groups in New Taipei City, who work together to complete the baton exchange.
