The “4th Macau Abilympics” competition for persons with disabilities, jointly organised by the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL), the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), and Catholic charity Caritas Macau, concluded yesterday at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), with the aim of showcasing the workplace capabilities of individuals with disabilities, dismantling societal bias, and establishing an industry-linked platform that encourages local enterprises to create inclusive job opportunities.
The two-day competition drew 117 local participants with disabilities, recording 156 total entries across 14 category events, including crocheting, hand weaving, dressmaking, tailoring, photography, painting, waste recycling, and cleaning services.
Caritas Macau Coordination Manager Eva Ho Kin Lam told reporters on the sidelines of the competition on Saturday on the USJ campus in the Ilha Verde district that the total number of competition categories was reduced from 16 to 14 compared to previous years, adding that the adjustment stems from a shortage of skilled talent in certain traditional crafts. For instance, the bamboo basket weaving event was cancelled after the number of eligible local contestants fell below the minimum participation threshold.
Conversely, according to Ho, a new cleaning services category benchmarked against international competition standards was added this year. The addition directly matches current hiring demands in the local labour market, paving the way for post-competition employment.
Ho noted that since joining international vocational skills competitions for persons with disabilities in 2011, Macau delegations have participated in three editions, accumulating two silver medals, two bronze medals, two special awards, and two awards of excellence.
Alongside the event, the newly opened “Yi Hui” (怡暉) Integrated Rehabilitation Services Centre in the New Urban Zone A has begun operations. Centred on vocational training, its inaugural programme covers preparatory physical conditioning, technical skills instruction (such as computer operations), and external workplace internships, Ho added.
An official awards ceremony will take place on September 19 to present medals and cash prizes to top performers. Select winners will earn the opportunity to represent Macau at the upcoming International Abilympics in Finland’s capital city Helsinki, from May 10 to 13, 2027.
Contestants in the garment tailoring category create their entries for the “4th Macau Abilympics” competition at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ). – Photos: Ida Cheong
Caritas Macau Coordination Manager Eva Ho Kin Lam speaks to reporters on the sidelines of the “4th Macau Abilympics” competition on the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) campus on Saturday.
