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National Central University (NCU), host of the 2026 National Intercollegiate Athletic Games (NIAG), has officially unveiled the event’s theme song, “Forever Young ,” along with its mascot “Orbit.” As the first NIAG held following the establishment of Taiwan’s Ministry of Sports, this year’s Games will feature competitions across 21 sports, making it the largest collegiate sporting event in the country. The theme and mascot reflect the core spirit of the Games: “Run Fearless and Run Green.”
Among the highlights of this year’s event is the unprecedented torch-lighting ceremony in the Arctic. Leveraging NCU’s Arctic research station, President Hsiao Shu-San personally led the delegation to ignite the ceremonial flame in front of the Global Seed Vault, symbolizing the origin of life and boundless hope. The torch relay then continues from NCU’s Lulin Observatory and incorporates the traditional “mayasvi” blessing ceremony of Taiwan’s Tsou Indigenous people in Alishan—bridging the world’s polar frontier with Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage.
The official mascot “Orbit” is a charming satellite-inspired robot equipped with solar-panel wings. Its name is derived from the word “orbit,” symbolizing steady progression and continuous movement forward. The theme song, “Forever Young,” was entirely created by NCU students—from lyrics and composition to arrangement and performance. The song captures the passion of youth, the competitive spirit of athletics, and a forward-looking vision for sustainability.
In alignment with global best practices for sustainable mega-events, the 2026 NIAG adopts the ISO 20121 standard for sustainable event management, aiming to reduce the use and production of single-use materials. More than a premier competition for elite collegiate athletes, this year’s Games represent a collective commitment to environmental stewardship and the courage of youth.
NCU warmly invites the public to join the Games from May 2 to May 6 and witness a truly “Run Fearless and Run Green” sporting event.
