With the quadrennial National Games approaching, Macau held its torch relay ceremony on Sunday, with all six gaming concessionaires sending members to participate. This year’s Games are being held in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Macau dispatched 50 participants, most of whom were prominent public figures including Chan Meng Kam, current member of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC and Chairman of Golden Dragon Group. Senior executives from all six gaming concessionaires were among those taking part.
Galaxy Entertainment Group was represented by Director Philip Cheng; Wynn Macau by President, Vice Chairman of the Board and Executive Director Linda Chen; SJM Holdings by Chairman and Executive Director Daisy Ho; MGM China by Chairman and Executive Director Pansy Ho; Sands China by Vice President of Sports Events Development Shen Yang; and Melco by Director Clarence Chung Yuk Man.
The torch relay route spanned approximately 2.6 kilometers, commencing with a starting ceremony at the government headquarters. Each guest carried the torch for roughly 50 meters. A particularly notable moment occurred when Pansy Ho passed the torch to Daisy Ho upon reaching the area near Rua do Campo.
As the largest sporting events hosted by Macau in recent years, the National Games and Para Games have attracted significant attention. Macau’s six concessionaires each paid MOP 40 million (US$5 million) in sponsorship to the Macao Organising Committee for the National Games and Para Games.
They have also provided venue support to ensure the smooth running of the competitions. Galaxy Arena will host table tennis events; the outdoor lawn at Wynn Palace South Gate will provide an outdoor venue for 3×3 basketball; the Studio City Arena will stage the men’s under-18 five-a-side basketball competition; while The Venetian Arena will host women’s senior volleyball events.
The quadrennial National Games will commence on 9 November, with this year’s competitions held across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Macau will host four sporting events. The 12th National Para Games of China and the 9th National Special Olympics will commence on 8 December, also taking place across the three regions.
