• The “2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races” were held over three days at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre.
• The SJM dragon boat team won the Small (200m), Women’s and Standard (500m) Open, Mixed championships.

The “2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races,” organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, SJM Resorts, S.A. and the Dragon Boat Association of Macao, China, recently took place at the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre.

Held over three race days, the event drew leading dragon boat teams from mainland China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines to Macau, bringing residents and tourists together for one of the city’s most spirited sporting traditions.

Throughout this year’s races, the Nam Van lakefront was thronged with spectators as thunderous drumbeats and flying paddles filled the course with electrifying energy. Each team gave their utmost, delivering fast-paced and gripping contests for the audience. Among them, the SJM Dragon Boat teams distinguished themselves across multiple divisions, achieving impressive results through strong coordination, consistent performance and unwavering spirit. Their success demonstrated the company’s sporting culture and team spirit.

SJM Small Dragon Boat teams command Open and Women’s categories
On the opening day of the races, six dedicated SJM teams took to the water to compete in the Small Dragon Boat races. The lineup featured SJM Golden Jubilee A, SJM Golden Jubilee B, SJM Prosperous and SJM Prosperous B in the Open Category, alongside SJM Lotus A and SJM Lotus B competing in the Women’s Category.

SJM Golden Jubilee A and SJM Lotus A clinched the championship in the Macao Small Dragon Boat Race Open Category (200m) and the Macao Small Dragon Boat Race Women’s Category (200m), respectively. Meanwhile, SJM Golden Jubilee B and SJM Prosperous took second and sixth place in the Macao Small Dragon Boat Race Open Category (200m).

SJM clinches 1st and 2nd place in the Standard Dragon Boat Races
SJM fielded multiple teams in the Macao Standard Dragon Boat Races (500m), capturing two pole positions and one runner-up finish across multiple categories.

After a series of thrilling contests, three SJM teams delivered impressive results: SJM Golden Jubilee clinched the championship in the Open Category, while SJM Prosperous secured sixth place in the same category. SJM Lotus claimed runner-up in the Women’s Category, while SJM Golden Jubilee clinched the championship in the Mixed Category, successfully defending their title and extending their strong legacy in the event.

During the races, SJM management was present on site, leading an employee cheering squad whose enthusiastic shouts echoed along the course, boosting morale and showcasing strong corporate unity. Guided by the drummer, team members paddled in perfect rhythm and pressed forward with determination, embodying the dragon boat spirit of teamwork and perseverance while reflecting SJM’s long-standing commitment to sports development and fostering a culture of collaboration.

Daisy Ho, Managing Director of SJM, remarked, “As a cherished part of Chinese heritage, dragon boat racing brings together culture, sport and community in a way few events can. SJM is proud to continue supporting this landmark occasion, carrying forward a treasured tradition while contributing to Macau’s development as a “City of Sports.” Through “Sports + Tourism,” we hope to create richer experiences for residents and visitors, strengthen community participation and further enhance Macau’s appeal as a ‘World Centre of Tourism and Leisure’.”

Carnival fun boosts the festival vibe
Beyond the thrilling races on the water, SJM also hosted the “2026 SJM Macao International Dragon Boat Races Carnival” at Anim’Arte NAM VAN, extending the festive spirit of the Dragon Boat Festival into the surrounding community.

Held on 13, 14 and 19 June, the carnival brought together more than 20 specialty booths featuring local retail and creative SMEs, offering Macau-themed and dragon boat-inspired limited-edition merchandise and lifestyle products. Several charitable organizations also joined with handicrafts and food sales for a good cause, drawing both residents and visitors to stop and shop.

To beat the summer heat, food stalls served up local favorites including snacks, handmade teas and refreshing summer treats such as the traditional handmade dragon’s beard candy – recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage gem. Limited-time special discounts also supported and energized the local community.

The carnival offered plenty of interactive fun for all ages, with SJM setting up a series of classic booth games including ring toss and bean bag tosses. Players tested their skills to win limited-edition gifts featuring SJM’s mascot “Sam the Rooster.”

Dynamic performances added extra sparkle to the carnival, with balloon clowns, magic shows, interactive 3D inflatables and photo-op parades animating the White Canopy and Nam Van lakefront. “Sam the Rooster” made a surprise appearance, delighting residents and visitors with close-up interactions. On the afternoons of 14 and 19 June, the Dragon Boat Festival-themed parade became one of the highlights of the carnival, blending powerful drumbeats, dragon-patterned banners and dynamic choreography into a vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity.

Students from Macau’s universities and secondary schools also energized the scene with street music showcases featuring percussion, singing and guitar performances.

Neighborhood excitement
In addition to the carnival, SJM launched the “Intangible Cultural Heritage Flash Fun” event at Hong Kung Temple Square in the San Ma Lo district, enriching the Dragon Boat Festival with vibrant cultural elements. Blending traditional festival heritage, community creativity and local vitality, the event allowed residents and visitors to experience the festive charm of Macau’s neighborhoods alongside the excitement of the dragon boat races.

Celebratory conclusion
On the evening of the Dragon Boat Festival, participating teams and representatives from the organizing units gathered for a celebration dinner at The Grand Hall at Grand Lisboa Palace to mark the festive occasion and celebrate the successful conclusion of the races.

During the event, souvenirs were presented to all participating crews as a gesture of appreciation for their continued support in carrying forward the treasured legacy of dragon boat racing.

Celebrating tradition through “Sports + Tourism”
This year’s dragon boat races were not only a major sporting event but also a platform for community cohesion and cultural exchange. By combining the races with the carnival, SJM showcased the unique appeal of “Sports + Tourism,” enabling residents and visitors to enjoy thrilling competitions while immersing themselves in local culture, savoring festive delicacies and engaging in interactive activities.

This cross-sector integration has strengthened Macau’s city branding and infused new vitality into traditional celebrations. SJM said it will continue to collaborate with partners across society to promote more creative and impactful initiatives, ensuring that Macau shines ever brighter on the international stage as both a “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure” and a true “City of Sports.”