TAIWAN
February - March 2026
SYM ADX 400 TG
The ASIAN EXPANSION
Following the missions carried out across Africa, the Taiwan journey marked a significant step in the growth of Beyond T7nnis, its first mission in Asia and a clear expansion of the project’s global reach.
This mission was made possible with the support of SYM Taiwan, who provided the motorcycle used throughout the journey, and Lift Your Limits Clothing & Sportswear, whose contribution covered the fuel that kept the mission moving across the island. A key role was also played by Anna Sutherland, Beyond T7nnis Ambassador for Asia, who coordinated a significant part of the local logistics and helped establish the essential connections that made the mission possible.
Chapter 1 — Portugal to taipei
The Taiwan mission began in Taipei, after long hours of travel across continents. The journey started in Lisbon, with a stopover in Abu Dhabi, where an unexpected moment of connection happened on board, meeting a fellow Portuguese and a Moroccan, both part of the cabin crew, a small reminder of how travel constantly brings people together.
The luggage reflected the nature of the mission itself: mostly the Kriega setup that would later be fitted to the motorcycle, along with essential camping equipment from Decathlon. The contrast upon arrival was immediate, a vibrant, dense city where tradition and modernity coexist seamlessly. Between jet lag and first impressions, the first days were dedicated to settling in, tasting local street food, and starting to connect with the Taiwanese community. It was here that the first donated rackets began to appear, offered by people who believed in the purpose of the journey.
Chapter 2 — Kaohsiung
Shortly after, the journey moved south to Kaohsiung, which became the operational base of the mission. It was also where I met Anna Sutherland, a Taiwanese-British international tennis coach who would accompany me throughout the Mission. For the first time, I was not travelling alone. Having Anna as a passenger on the motorcycle across the entire island was a completely new experience, one that brought a different dynamic to the journey and proved essential in building bridges with local communities.
From Kaohsiung, the preparation phase took shape. The motorcycle, a SYM ADX 400 TG, provided directly from the factory in collaboration with Moteo, was set up with the Kriega luggage system, navigation equipment from MCPro, Decathlon camping gear and all the tennis material we would carry. Alongside the technical preparation, we continued collecting rackets and balls donated by local players, visiting clubs, meeting people, and experiencing the culture, markets and daily life, especially during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Chapter 3 — SOUTHBOUND
With everything ready, we set off from the Port of Kaohsiung to begin the mission across the island. Heading south, we reached Kenting National Park and the southernmost point of Taiwan, where we spent the night before beginning the journey north. From there, the route followed the coastline, a constant line between ocean and mountains, passing through Taitung, where we stayed at the remarkable Village 18 Villa, a place deeply connected to nature and defined by the warmth of its hosts. Along the way, the journey unfolded through rice fields and small rural communities, including a visit to a traditional tofu farm, where local production methods reflected a slower and more grounded way of life.
Continuing along the coast, we passed through Jingpu and the Tropic of Cancer landmark, a moment loaded with symbolism, following the crossing of the same latitude months before in Morocco during the Leiria-Dakar mission. That day ended at a campsite by the sea, just meters from the mouth of the Liwu River, gateway to the Taroko Gorge. It was there that we met Shen Jiaxiang, a local traveler and adventurer, who joined us the following morning to explore the gorge, one of the most extraordinary roads to experience by motorcycle. After completing it, we turned back to ride it again in the opposite direction, before continuing north along the coast towards Yilan and, eventually, Cape Bitou, the northeasternmost point of the island.
Chapter 4 — North coast and down again
The journey revealed another layer of Taiwan’s identity. We visited an old mining complex dating back to the Japanese occupation period, explored the unique atmosphere of Jiufen, and followed the northern coastline, passing by the curious Futuro Houses. The route then shifted inland, marked by the presence of striking temples such as the True Dragon Temple, before crossing Taipei and heading to Hsinchu for a special visit to the Sanyang Motor (SYM) factory, the place where our motorcycle was designed and built.
Chapter 5 — inland through the mountains
Leaving the industrial landscape behind, we returned to more remote and demanding terrain, crossing the central mountain range through Datong and Lishan, climbing to Songsyue Lodge at 3,150 meters of altitude via the highest road in Taiwan. From there, the route led us south through Alishan and into Liugui, where one of the most meaningful moments of the mission took place.
At the Christian Mountain Children’s Home, we introduced tennis to a group of incredible children, many of whom had never held a racket before. What followed was pure, spontaneous joy, a reminder that beyond technique or structure, sport is first and foremost about connection. We left behind 10 rackets and 80 balls, but carried forward something far more significant.
Chapter 6 — Sandimen
As weather conditions deteriorated, with several days of cold and unstable conditions in the mountains, we made the decision to return to Kaohsiung and reorganize the remaining part of the mission. It was from there that we carried out the second major action, in Sandimen, at Evergreen Lily Elementary School.
Here, tennis was introduced for the first time in the school’s history. With the donation of 12 rackets and 100 balls, the sport became part of the physical education program, ensuring continuity beyond our visit. Moments like these defined the mission, not just temporary experiences, but lasting impact.
In Sandimen, the experience extended beyond sport. We visited the Dragonfly Elegant Pearl & Beads Workshop, where we had the opportunity to work with glass in a traditional and handcrafted way, another moment of cultural exchange that added depth to the journey.
Throughout the mission, these exchanges were constant. Between sessions and travels, we shared languages, stories and perspectives. We taught Portuguese numbers to the children, while learning Paiwanese from them, small gestures that reflected a deeper connection between completely different worlds.
Chapter 8 — no flights, no problem
Returning to Kaohsiung marked the end of the journey on the road, but not the end of the mission. It was originally planned for three weeks, but due to air traffic constraints related to the conflict in the Middle East, our return had to be postponed. This unexpected extension became an opportunity to continue the work. During this period, we remained in Kaohsiung, where we taught tennis lessons until securing an alternative return route. At the same time, donations continued to grow, with more and more rackets being offered by the Taiwanese community.
Chapter 9 — xiè xiè TAIWAN
In the end, we returned to Portugal carrying more than just memories. Alongside the experience, we brought back over 20 additional donated rackets, equipment that, just one week later, was already on its way to Morocco, where the first Beyond T7nnis group mission took place.
The Taiwan mission was not only about introducing tennis to new communities. It was about building bridges, sharing cultures, and discovering a country through its people, its landscapes and its generosity.
From Taipei to Kaohsiung, from the mountains to the Pacific coast, this journey reaffirmed what Beyond T7nnis stands for.
Riding further. Serving hope.
