- Sands China and the Macau Special Olympics joined hands to host the 2025 MSO Sands China Cup.
- On the day of the tournament, a grand award ceremony was held, with all prizes and trophies sponsored by Sands China.
In anticipation of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympics Games (NSOG) coming up in December, Sands China Ltd and the Macau Special Olympics jointly held the “2025 MSO Sands China Cup – Greater Bay Area Badminton Invitational” at Macao East Asian Games Dome on 9 August. The tournament attracted over 200 Special Olympics athletes from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, with nearly 60 volunteers participating in support – fully demonstrating the spirit of cross-regional sports exchange and inclusion.
The tournament was co-organized by Sands China and the Macau Special Olympics, sponsored by the Macau Sports Bureau and supported by the Macau Badminton Association. The competition featured multiple events including individual skill competitions, singles, doubles, inclusive doubles and wheelchair badminton matches, with over 90 intense matches taking place. Notably, the wheelchair badminton competition invited members of the Macau Association of Support for the Disabled to participate, further embodying the concept that sports know no boundaries.
A grand award ceremony was held on the day of the event, with a total of 25 awards presented. All prizes and trophies were sponsored by Sands China. Regardless of the outcome, every participant received enthusiastic applause from the audience and guests, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship that transcends victory or defeat.
The 2025 MSO Sands China Cup attracted over 200 Special Olympics athletes to participate.
Athletes from three regions exchange visits and experience Macau’s cultural charm
To promote cultural exchange among athletes in the Greater Bay Area, Sands China arranged accommodation for participants from Guangdong and Hong Kong at its Londoner Grand hotel and organized cultural exploration activities on the eve of the competition.
Additionally, the Guangdong and Hong Kong teams benefited from complimentary services and participated in the “MSO Healthy Athletes Programme” organized by the Macau Special Olympics. They enjoyed three major health services including physical fitness assessments, health promotion and psychological support, ensuring the athletes received comprehensive care beyond the competition.
Dr Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China Ltd, stated in his opening address that the company has been strongly supporting the Macau Special Olympics’ “Healthy Athletes Programme” for 11 years, benefiting over 7,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities and funding follow-up medical services for more than 850 people.
He emphasized, “We are honored to have the Guangdong Disabled Persons’ Federation and the Hong Kong Special Olympics team join us in Macau alongside the Macau Special Olympics athletes.
“Their presence has already set off the first wave of excitement for the upcoming national Games.”
Prior to this tournament, Sands China held two large-scale health events in Guangzhou and Macau in June and July, respectively. In June, the “2025 Greater Bay Area Special Needs Healthcare Day” provided health checks and relaxation exercises for Guangzhou athletes; while in July, the “2025 Special Olympics Community – Healthy Athletes Programme” attracted nearly 100 individuals with intellectual disabilities, offering seven health assessments and multiple interactive booths to further promote healthy living concepts.
Sands China said it has for many years promoted community development through its Sands Cares corporate citizenship program, demonstrating its long-term commitment to local and Greater Bay Area special needs groups, whether through medical and health support or cultural experiences.
Through sports competitions, health care and community engagement, the company is collaborating with the Macau Special Olympics to open up more possibilities for individuals with special needs in the Greater Bay Area. As the year-end NGD and NSOG approaches, this event has already inspired athletes from the three regions and brought more positive energy to society.
