Celebrating Inclusion in Action: Hero Games at TAS

On the morning of April 18, Taipei American School partnered with Taiwan Sunshine to host the Hero Games, a joyful and high-energy event designed to celebrate inclusion through sport. Bringing together students and athletes with special needs, the day focuses on connection, encouragement, and shared experience.  

At the heart of Hero Games is a simple but powerful idea: every athlete deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Throughout the morning, TAS student volunteers were paired one-on-one with athletes, forming partnerships that extended beyond the events themselves. Together, they moved through a series of activity stations – cheering each other on, offering support, and sharing in each moment of success.

The day began with registration and partner grouping on the Lower Field, where students and athletes had the opportunity to connect through light games and activities before the official opening ceremony. From there, the energy built quickly as participants rotated through four activity stations, each designed to be accessible, engaging, and fun.

Reflecting on the event, Garrett Hayes, Middle School Dean of Student Life, shared the lasting impact of the experience:

“My first time attending a Taiwan Sunshine Hero Games was in the fall of 2024; it was an incredible morning for everyone involved. As soon as this year kicked off, I knew it was an event that we needed to prioritize, and thanks to the support of our community, we’re now expecting 75 athletes and 140 student and faculty volunteers. Moments like this make me especially proud to be a TAS Tiger, when our students come together, across divisions, to engage with one another and with the wider community. It’s always a meaningful, feel-good day.”

More than an athletic event, the Hero Games created space for meaningful interaction. For many TAS students, the experience offered a chance to step into a role of responsibility and empathy – learning how to encourage, adapt, and respond to the needs of their partners in real time.

In conversation leading up to the event, Taiwan Sunshine founder, Mr. Uwe Maurer, emphasized the deeper purpose behind the day:

“It’s not about the event. The sport is only a bridge that can bring two communities together who otherwise might not have the opportunity. It wouldn’t matter if we were playing games, making art, or doing this – the important thing is for us to simply be together.” 

That idea was reflected throughout the morning. Students were encouraged to go beyond simply guiding their partners through the activities – to talk, connect, and build genuine relationships. In doing so, the experience became something more lasting: a shift in perspective.

The Hero Games serve as a powerful reminder that while differences may exist, connection is always possible. As the morning unfolded, it became clear that there were far more similarities than differences – and that, at its core, the event is about recognizing that all people are people first. 

For Middle School students, the Hero Games are part of a larger Grade 7 service learning journey. Throughout the year, students take part in a grade-level service project that includes fundraising efforts, culminating in the Walk-a-thon on May 14 to help sustain the event.

It’s a cycle that continues to build year after year, ensuring the spirit of the Hero Games carries forward while deepening students’ understanding of empathy, responsibility, and community.