Sands China launched its five-day “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026” yesterday, bringing NBA (the United States’ National Basketball Association) legends and players together with young people from Macau and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) through basketball and community activities.
The opening Youth Day took place at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, bringing together 150 young basketball players aged 11 to 14 from eight local schools and 50 players from Hong Kong and cities in the GBA, according to a Sands statement yesterday,
NBA legend Ray Allen, former Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) player Ding Yanyuhang and Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) player Zhang Ziyu joined NBA coaches to lead professional training sessions. The participants received instruction in footwork, ball-handling and offensive and defensive techniques before forming mixed teams for boys and girls’ friendly matches.
In addition, content creators also attended yesterday’s event such as Kristopher London, known professionally as LSK, and Chris Matthews, also known as “Lethal Shooter”.
The young players also took part in fitness assessments and an individual skills challenge featuring cone dribbling, precision passing and sprint layups.
Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai said the company expanded Youth Day’s participation to the Greater Bay Area this year to give more young people opportunities to receive guidance from world-class players while strengthening connections among the 10-city region’s youngsters, the statement said.
Meanwhile, a “Her Time To Play” seminar was also held, featuring Zhang, NBA Associate Vice President and Head of International Basketball Relations Dawn Smyth, Dallas Mavericks Chief Communications Officer Gina Miller, Houston Rockets President Gretchen Sheirr and Sands China Senior Vice President DeVonne Lao (尤穎).
The speakers spoke about their experiences in sport and career development, encouraging young participants to build confidence and pursue their goals.
The Community Impact Week runs through Sunday, with activities focusing on youth development, healthy living and community inclusion, the statement noted, adding that a “Tip-off”* event will be held today at The Venetian Arena in Cotai, where players from the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will lead local secondary school students in a basketball clinic.
*A tip-off in basketball is the jump ball that officially starts the game at the centre court circle. It also refers to the jump ball used to start any overtime period. – Gemini
NBA legend Ray Allen speaks to young players during yesterday’s five-day “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026” at the Macao East Asian Games Dome in Cotai. – Photo: Khalel Vallo
