“The Sands China ∙Yao Foundation Campus Basketball Charity Event” took place yesterday at Hou Kong Middle School in Taipa where local youngsters took part in basketball training and friendly matches with national basketball stars, while the foundation’s founder and former professional basketball player Yao Ming was among the guests.
Yesterday’s event saw youngsters play a fast-paced game with former Chinese women’s basketball player Zhao Shuang and street basketball player Wu You each taking a side, both of whom also trained the students with former Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) coach Liu Tie and China national men’s basketball team’s former assistant coach Li Ke.
Speaking with reporters after yesterday’s event, Yao, in response to a question by the Post, said that through basketball, youngsters can “build friendships, expand their social circle and broaden their horizons”.
Yao, who spoke in Putonghua, added that organising basketball events has always received much support from all walks of life such as enterprises, governments, and schools. “This provides young people with a lot of opportunities to build connections within the basketball circle. With lots of support and guidance, it will benefit children in their growth”, Yao said to the Post.
The charity event was co-hosted by the integrated resort operator with the Yao Foundation in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland and as part of the local government’s efforts to establish Macau as a “City of Sports”.
Sands China Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Grant Chum Kwan Lock said that the collaboration aligns with the Macau’s positioning as a “City of Sports” and “City of Events”. Moreover, with the approach of the 15th National Games, the company is aiming to infuse Macau with health and vitality while contributing to the sustainable growth of sport and sports tourism in the city, Chum said.
Macau Hou Kong Middle School Principal Iao Tun Ieong meanwhile highlighted in his speech the importance of sport, adding he hoped that in the future the students will have the opportunity to use basketball as a medium to have more mutual learning and communication with the mainland’s youngsters, enhance friendships, and promote understanding.
Moreover, Yao Foundation Secretary-General Ye Dawei also emphasised the importance of nurturing basketball exchanges between youths from Macau and the mainland, inviting young local basketball enthusiasts to join the Yao Foundation Hope Primary School Basketball League in the mainland.
Director General of the Department of Publicity & Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR Wan Sucheng; Sports Bureau (ID) President Luís Gomes; Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) Acting Deputy Director Chan Iok Wai; President and Chief Operating Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. Patrick Dumont; and Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai were also among the event’s guests.
Students and guests of yesterday’s event pose for a group photo.
Yao smiles at students before taking his seat.
A group of students perform prior to the start of yesterday’s “The Sands China ·Yao Foundation Campus Basketball Charity Event” at the Premier School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School in Taipa. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
