The inaugural Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League 2024 Macau kicked off on Saturday, with nearly 800 fencers aged 6 to 14 competing throughout the event, which runs through today, at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo.
The event, organised by the integrated resort operator in conjunction with Hong Kong-based Asia Sports Development Co. Ltd., sees young fencers from places such as the mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and the US competing across different age groups, according to a Saturday statement by Sands China.
The statement noted that the fencing pistes (playing areas) are standard FIE (International Fencing Federation) adult competition pistes featuring FIE referees, while video assistant referee (VAR) technology is used during elimination rounds. Aside from competitions, activities like sessions by experts and skilled fencers were also held.
Sands China Ltd. Executive Vice President of Operations Sean McCreery was quoted by the statement as saying: “Aligned with the Macau SAR Government’s vision of creating a ‘City of Sports,’ we aim to provide an international platform for young fencers to showcase their talent and energy, thus promoting the sport of fencing in Macau and beyond in Asia. This event also highlights the distinctive allure of Macau’s fusion of ‘tourism + sports.’”
Asian Youth Elite Fencing League Chairman Antonio Lam Hin Chung was quoted as saying: “We are very honoured to hold such a grand fencing event in Macau, and we hope to assist promising fencers in reaching new heights”.
Moreover, the statement noted that Macao Fencing General Association President Chan U Chun said that he hoped that the competition will be a catalyst to enhance the local government’s focus on fencing, while Fencing Association of Hong Kong, China President Aaron Ng Hoi Shan noted that the event presents a unique opportunity for exchange.
The statement added that the organisers hope to develop the event into an Asian youth fencing league, aiming to promote the development of youth sports in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) while preserving the sport’s heritage.
This photo taken after Saturday’s opening ceremony shows rising stars in the foil category Lung Cheuk Ying (right) from Hong Kong and Macau’s Ku Hio Lam engaging in an exhibition match in The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena.
