(Clearwisdom.net) Falun Gong practitioners held a series of activities beginning July 14, to welcome the 2009 World Games at Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. The practitioners wanted to welcome the 5000 athletes and visitors from around the world and demonstrate the beauty of Falun Dafa's Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

At the Human Rights Press Conference, practitioners stressed that respecting human rights was the true meaning and spirit of the 2009 World Games. They called for the world to take note of the brutal persecution of Falun Gong in China.

Hsu Chuan-Sheng, director of Kaohsiung Social Affairs Bureau, represented Mayor Chen Chu at the press conference. Hsu expressed his respect for Falun Gong's advocacy of human rights. "Falun Gong's belief in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance agrees with the spirit of the World Games. The persecution of Falun Gong in China is against humanity and human rights," said Hsu.

It was Hsu's hope that Falun Gong practitioners hold on to their belief and stop the persecution soon.

Cheng Cheng-Yu, director of the Southern Taiwan Society could not understand how Beijing could torture a group of people who are compassionate, peaceful, and loving. Cheng called for Taiwan to pay attention to Beijing's persecution of religious freedom and to help stop it.

Former national policy advisor Chou Teh-Ping said that he knew Falun Gong was popular in Taiwan. Knowing that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was still slaughtering its people, he said he admired Falun Gong's persistent pursuit of human rights and freedom of belief. Chou believes that the disintegration of the CCP is the only hope for the country of China.

Hsiao Yung-Ta, member of Kaohsiung City Council, said that he knew that the CCP was threatened by Falun Gong because the practitioners are firm supporters of human rights and freedom of belief. Hsiao offered to help promote Falun Gong and to show his support for Falun Gong. He said he was glad that Falun Gong has rooted in Taiwan and believes that Falun Gong's support for human rights could brighten up the games.

Falun Gong practitioners held a parade on July 15. The parade was led by the Divine Land Marching Band, composed of a hundred practitioners. The band played "Falun Dafa Is Good," "Fa Drums," "Fa Rectifies the Universe," "Falun Holy King," "Deliver the Treasure," and "Buddha Mercy Sacred Music." A young lady exclaimed that besides the Fourth of July parades, Falun Dafa's parades were the most amazing.

In the parade, practitioners in golden outfits demonstrated the Falun Gong exercises. Their graceful, slow movements attracted the attention of spectators. Many took the Falun Gong fliers and asked where they could learn the exercises.

A lady that worked with the German athletes was impressed by the peaceful demeanor of the practitioners. She took many pictures of the parade.

Many business owners and pedestrians cheered for Falun Gong when they saw the parade. Some yelled, "Go Falun Gong!"

After seeing pictures of practitioners who died in the persecution because they refused to give up their beliefs, some passersby were shocked. They condemned the CCP's brutality and agreed that more people should know about this evil persecution.

Falun Gong teaches Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and includes five slow exercises. The practice started in China in 1992 and is now practiced by people in 114 countries and regions.

Falun Gong has been taught in Taiwan since 1995. Many people have benefited from the practice and re-gained their health. There are currently half a million practitioners in Taiwan.