Caritas Macau hosted a press conference yesterday at its services centre in Zone A to announce that the Macau Abilympics* will be hosted next month at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) and the Macao University of Tourism (UTM).
According to a statement released during the press conference, the competition features 14 categories, including floral arrangement, cake decorating, hand knitting, manicure, dressmaking, tailoring, outdoor photography, and English word processing. The aim is to provide a platform for people with disabilities to showcase their professional skills and creativity, the statement said.
Caritas Macau Secretary-General Paul Pun Chi Meng said in a speech that shortlisted contestants who pass the assessment will have the opportunity to take part in the 11th International Abilympics, to be held in Finland in May 2027.
The statement noted that the International Abilympics, also known as the “Skills Olympics for people with disabilities”, is held every four years and attracts participants from more than 50 countries and regions.
Pun said that over the past three editions, the Macau delegation has accumulated a total of two silver medals, two bronze medals, two merit awards, and two special awards.
Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) Deputy Director Chan Tze Wai said in a speech that the competition categories are closely aligned with real-world occupations, covering areas such as everyday practical applications, creative design, and administrative support. These categories, she said, can help participants improve their technical skills and mental resilience, while also promoting wider social acceptance of the abilities of people with disabilities.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Pun pointed out that the competition is not only a test of skills, but also a demonstration of perseverance and the spirit of inclusion. He mentioned that Caritas had recently launched a cake shop on Rua Nova de S. Lázaro (瘋堂新街), allowing people with disabilities to put their learning into practice in a real working environment and interact with the community. In the future, Caritas plans to open more social enterprise shops, including bakeries, to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
* The term Abilympics – a portmanteau of “Ability” and “Olympics” – refers to a quadrennial vocational skills competition specifically designed for persons with disabilities and special needs. Often described as the “Olympics of Abilities,” it serves as a global platform to showcase and benchmark the professional, technical, and creative talents of disabled individuals. The concept originated in Japan in 1972, where the first national “Olympics of Abilities” was held. To commemorate the United Nations International Year of Disabled Persons, the first International Abilympics took place in Tokyo in 1981. Today, the global movement is governed by the International Abilympic Federation (IAF). – Gemini
Caritas Macau Secretary-General Paul Pun Chi Meng speaks to reporters at the Catholic social welfare organisation’s services centre in Zone A yesterday. – Photo: Armindo Neves
