A sixth tree was planted yesterday on Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau’s Outdoor Lawn as Macau IC2 Association (I Can Too) held its annual World Earth Day initiative, marking its sixth consecutive year and continued support from the hotel operator.
The one-day event by the Macau IC2 Association, which is comprised of neurodivergent* individuals and established in 2016, was this year themed “Act Smart for the Planet. Go Green for the Future” and featured a variety of activities, with sustainability and inclusion at the forefront. It is also held in collaboration with Shenmo Star River Public Welfare Alliance and Macau Dragon Voyage Sport Association
The event featured a “Green Walkathon” from Parque Dr.Carlos d’Assumpção to the hotel’s outdoor lawn, a pickleball game, a music performance using instruments made out of recycled materials, and a play therapy session that promoted communication and interaction among participants.
Speaking with the Post on the sidelines of yesterday’s event, IC2 volunteer and event planning course instructor Ada Lo said that she has taught students from the association, along with students from the Concórdia School for Special Education, in a programme about organising events for six years, with the annual Earth Day initiative serving as their final graduation project.
Lo said she trains around 15 students each time in a series of classes that usually last a month and a half or more. Participants at World Earth Day, meanwhile, normally close to or over 300 people attend, each edition wanting to also show the capabilities of neurodivergent individuals.
This edition also marked the event’s first collaboration with The International School of Macao (TIS), with association members creating artworks with them, while also being involved in planning and executing the event. Lo said that she hoped the student collaboration will be taken further, introducing students to the initiative while hoping that one day, the association and schools can collaborate on organising events together, even without her training.
Meanwhile, Rutger Verschuren, Area Vice President, Macau and Hengqin of Artyzen Hospitality Group and General Manager of Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, highlighted to the Post that the collaboration has been both meaningful and successful throughout the years, also highlighting the growth he has seen from some of the members since the first collaboration.
The planting of the tree serves as a symbolic reminder of the event, collaboration and growth, including for the years to come. “We want to give back, but I think it’s more than that”, being something that they look forward to doing each time while also anticipating what is in store for the programme while highlighting its importance. “I hope we can continue this as a tradition as a hotel so we can become part of the IC2 heartbeat”.
*The term neurodivergent refers to people whose brains function, learn, and process information differently than what is considered “typical.” It is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of neurological conditions. Rather than viewing these differences as “defects” or “disorders” that need to be cured, the concept of neurodivergence frames them as natural variations in the human genome – a concept known as neurodiversity. – Gemini
Macau IC2 President Antonio Leong (from right to left), Rutger Verschuren, Area Vice President, Macau and Hengqin of Artyzen Hospitality Group and General Manager of Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, and Principal of Sheno Star River Public Welfare Alliance Emily Ye pose after yesterday’s tree planting ceremony at Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau.
Activities including the Green Walkathon take place for Macau IC2 Association’s World Earth Day initiative. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
