CEM holds Rummikub competition to raise awareness for dementia

CEM held a Rummikub competition on Saturday to raise public awareness of seniors and other people with dementia, as well as in celebration of its 50^th anniversary, the power utility said in a statement on the same day.

According to Wikipedia, Rummikub is “a tile-based game for 2 to 4 players, combining elements of the card game rummy and mahjong”.

The statement noted that the event was organised by CEM in conjunction with the Macau Youth Federation and the Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre. A charity bazaar was also set up at the venue, the statement added, which included products such as the 50^th anniversary special edition souvenirs. All proceeds, without deduction of expenses, will be donated to the event beneficiary, the Macau Alzheimer’s Disease Association (MADA).

The statement pointed out that the city is facing a continuously ageing population and a rise in dementia cases, with the disease becoming an important issue in local society.

Advanced ageing is an important risk factor for dementia, but it does not mean that the disease will only be developed at an older age, the statement underlined, saying that increasing evidence shows that the risk of developing it can be reduced by improving lifestyles such as through a balanced diet and more brain training, among others. The competition was, according to the statement, “good publicity for dementia”, noting that it gained civil society’s attention.

According to the statement, the competition was divided into Middle School Group and Open Group. Both groups received “overwhelming enrolments”, with 70 teams from 37 middle schools signing up for the Middle School Group and about  400 people for the Open Group. The statement added that 320 players were selected through random draws, with the oldest participant a 91-year-old woman surnamed Ao Ieong.

The competition per group was conducted in preliminary, semi-final and final phases.

An award ceremony was then held for winners and was attended by several guests such as officials from the aforementioned organisers and event beneficiary. Moreover, various middle schools participated in the event. Cash prizes and trophies were awarded to winners in both groups for Champion, 1^st runner-up, 2^nd runner-up, and Merit Award. 

This handout photo taken and provided by power utility CEM on Saturday shows participants in the Rummikub Competition, which was held at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf Convention and Exhibition Centre.