Melco Resorts & Entertainment said in a statement yesterday that young local athletes were able to meet badminton legend Lin Dan during the recent 2024 Macau Lin Dan Cup Badminton Open - Local Youth Sharing Session at Studio City’s Seer Arena
The event took place on Friday during Lin’s visit for the “Melco Style Presents: 2024 Macau Lin Dan Cup Badminton Open”, the statement said, with the integrated resort (IR) operator inviting participants from the Macau Special Olympics (MSO) Badminton Team, Macao Polytechnic University (MPU) Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, MPU Badminton Team, Melco Badminton Team, Melco Reach! Team, and Melco Parent & Child Volunteers.
Lin, the statement noted, talked about his inspirations and most memorable experiences in his career as an Olympic medallist and two-time Grand Slam winner, along with the challenges he faced and how he overcame them. He also voiced support for the local badminton players at the event and today’s youth.
Moreover, badminton sessions were held between Lin and Team China player He Bingjiao, who recently won Silver in the women’s badminton singles at the Paris Olympics, and the MSO and MPU teams.
The statement quoted Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to Melco Chairman & CEO Akiko Takahashi, as saying: “In our aim to support the nurturing of local talent and foster an inclusive community, we are honoured to collaborate with Mr Lin Dan to offer local community members the opportunity to be inspired and to learn from the best in the sport”.
MSO National Director Hetzer Siu Yu Hong was quoted by the statement as saying: “With the support of Melco, the presence of renowned badminton athletes brings greater attention to the badminton events at next year’s National Games for Persons with Disabilities, allowing more people in society to understand the sports of individuals with intellectual disabilities.”
This handout photo provided by Melco Resorts & Entertainment shows badminton players Lin Dan (front, right) and He Bingjiao (front, left) playing in a badminton session with young local athletes last Friday.
