Gaming resort operator MGM said in a statement yesterday that it will present the “MGM Artistic Swimming Elite Extravaganza & Macao Open Artistic Swimming Competition 2023” from June 23-25, which will feature a “strong lineup” of three renowned teams from the mainland.
Artistic swimming used to be called “water ballet” [and later synchronised swimming], the statement noted. The teams coming to Macau are the National Artistic Swimming Team of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Beijing Artistic Swimming Team and Sichuan Artistic Swimming Team, the statement said.
Spectators can also watch performances from award-winning athletes Shi Haoyu, Yang Shuncheng and Dai Shiyi. They recently clinched gold medals at the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup’s Mixed Duet Free Routine and Solo Free Routine Categories, and are striving to compete in the coming Olympic games, according to the statement.
The statement underlined that MGM is the first integrated tourism enterprise to launch the city’s maiden artistic swimming-themed mega sports event, which will take place at the Olympic Sports Centre’s Aquatic Centre.
The statement said that the event is done in conjunction with Associação Geral de Natação de Macau (General Macau Swimming Association) and the Macau Artistic Swimming Team. The event is supported by the Sports Bureau (ID). The three-day sporting gala also ushers in the “Artistic Swimming Elite Extravaganza”, where three top national teams will perform at the opening ceremony (June 24) and closing ceremony (June 25).
Around 180 top athletes from the mainland will also gather in Macau to compete in the annual “Open Artistic Swimming Competition”.
The statement added that the latter part of the event will take place at MGM COTAI, where a “Sharing Session” will be hosted. A dinner banquet will also be held for participating contestants and performing teams.
Admission to the three-day event is free of charge, with complimentary tickets to be distributed from tomorrow. Each person can get up to four tickets per event day. The Open Competition comprises four categories: Technical, Freestyle Solo, Freestyle Duet, and Freestyle Team.
More details can be found by visiting https://www.mgm.mo/en/cotai/entertainment/MGM-Artistic-Swimming-Elite-Extravaganza-Macao-Open-Artistic-Swimming-Competition-2023.
This undated handout photo provided by MGM yesterday shows an artistic swimming performance by a mainland Chinese team.
