The 5th FAI [World Air Sports Federation] World Cup of Indoor Skydiving, the 3rd FAI European Indoor Skydiving Championships and the 1st FAI Asian Indoor Skydiving Championships are simultaneously taking place in Macau, marking the first time the city is hosting the events.
The competition is being held at GoAirborne Macau in the H853 Fun Factory at Lisboeta Macau in Cotai. Over 200 “elite flyers” and 84 coaches from 28 countries and regions are taking part in the competitions, altogether comprising 95 teams, according to a statement provided yesterday by integrated resort (IR) operator SJM, the sponsor of the championships.
The preliminary and semi-final rounds are being held today, while the finals and award ceremony are slated for tomorrow, the statement said.
During the opening ceremony on Wednesday, SJM Managing Director Daisy Ho Chiu Fung was quoted by the statement as saying: “These branded global sports spectacles serve as vital catalysts in enriching Macau’s signature ‘event economy,’ expanding our exposure in international markets, and promoting longer visitations from overseas tourists. These delegations comprising 280 athletes and coaches, along with their fans, will become effective ambassadors of Macau’s hospitality to the world.”
The statement noted that 90 percent of the athletes and teams are marking their first visit to Macau.
GoAirborne Macau head coach, Guinness World Record holder for the most backward somersaults in a wind tunnel, and gold medal winner for the solo freestyle category at the FAI World Cup of Indoor Skydiving 2018 in Berlin, Toms Īvāns from Latvia, is also competing at the event.
Moreover, the event, which is authorised by FAI and organised by GoAirborne, GoAirborne Macau, and the Macau Indoor Skydiving General Association, also sees three young local athletes make their debut.
This handout photo provided by SJM Resorts yesterday shows an “elite athlete” providing a demonstration at GoAirborne Macau in Cotai.
