Interview by Rui Pastorin
The “Honor and Distinction – Memories of Macau Sport and Macanese Glory” exhibition launched last night at the Rui Cunha Foundation (FRC) gallery, highlighting Macanese* athletes, their achievements in their respective sports, and their legacies.
Organised by Associação dos Jovens Macaenses (AJM – Macanese Youth Association) and sponsored by the public Macau Foundation (FM), visitors to the exhibition will be greeted by exhibits related to sport including field and roller hockey, karate, badminton and squash, and the Macau Grand Prix (MGP). These range from hockey sticks and racquets to even a racing motorcycle. Various pictures and awards are also on display.
The exhibits have been contributed by athletes such as Paula Carion, Rodolfo Ávila, Américo de Jesus, Iuri Capelo, João Ramos, Alexandre Jorge, Armando Amante, and José Basto da Silva. It also sees collaborations with the Macau Skating Association, the Portuguese School of Macau (EPM), the International Institute of Macau (IIM), and Retro Garage.
Through the exhibition, AJM aims to highlight “the legacy of the contribution and dedication of the Macanese community in local sport development”, according to a recent AJM statement. Moreover, through the sports showcased, it also aims to represent the progress of each modality within Macau and the government’s dedication to offering recreational activities for local youths, a statement provided yesterday noted.
Speaking to the Post last night, President of the Board of Directors of AJM António Monteiro said that plans for the exhibition started a year ago, with the idea proposed by Macanese karate champion Paula Carion**. Initially a karate-related exhibition, Monteiro suggested making it bigger to also highlight other modalities of sports in the city, including sports like field hockey.
The items contributed by the Macanese community went on to grow from photos to the variety of other items seen in the resulting exhibition, which coincides with the ongoing 15th National Games and the 72nd Macau Grand Prix that runs from tomorrow through Sunday. “It’s all connected”, Monteiro said, being in line with the events and possibly capturing the attention of passers-by.
The main intention of the exhibition, Monteiro said, is “to let people know that sport can do more” for Macau and its aim for more international exposure, which sport and Macau’s athletes can help with. “Not only the Macanese, of course, but Macau itself” as at the end of the day, the Macanese community competes not for themselves, but for Macau. “I think many talents can contribute to sport in Macau” and bring exposure to the city through sport.
Meanwhile, for youngsters visiting the exhibition, Monteiro said they may also gain a better understanding of Macau’s history in sport and sporting facilities, being a way to show them memories, contributions, victories and achievements, as well as cultural recognition.
Down the line, Monteiro said that if the exhibition garners a positive feedback, they could follow up with another edition featuring achievements in other sports such as volleyball and table tennis. “We have many other modalities that we can include, with more other people. So, let’s see what we can do in the future”, Monteiro said.
The free-admission exhibition is on until November 22. One can visit the gallery located at 749 Avenida da Praia Grande (澳門南灣大馬路) from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. , and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
*Customarily, the term “Macanese” denotes Macau’s community of mixed Portuguese and Asian extraction and its diaspora.
**Carion won gold and bronze medals in the 2005 and 2013 East Asian Games respectively. She has also garnered bronze medals at the Asian Games. – Wikipedia
Guests and representatives attending yesterday’s opening ceremony pose for a group photo at the Rui Cunha Foundation (FRC) gallery. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
