Earlier this week, in an exclusive chat with CGTN Sports Scene, Chao Kuok Wai, Director of the Sports Development Department at Macao SAR's Sports Bureau, underscored the 15th National Games as a springboard for community wellness and regional sports growth.
As one of the three co-hosts—alongside Guangdong and Hong Kong SAR—Macao SAR assembled its largest-ever delegation of more than 600 members. Over 400 athletes are competing across 23 sports and 14 mass participation events, joined by nearly 200 representatives at the 9th National Special Olympic Games.
Chao highlighted a 64% year-over-year increase in mass-sports activities: Macao SAR rolled out 100 community sports events this year versus 61 in 2024. All public fitness facilities opened free of charge during the Games to encourage broader participation.
“Looking ahead, we plan to sustain this momentum by hosting more activities, constructing temporary venues and upgrading existing facilities,” Chao said, pointing to a growing culture of active living.
Beyond the Games, Macao SAR is charting a path to preserve its diverse sporting heritage. With 57 sports associations under the bureau’s supervision—ranging from martial arts and dragon boat racing to football and swimming—five financial aid programs have been introduced to bolster talent development.
A standout initiative is a youth martial arts school co-founded with the Wushu Association, aimed at nurturing young talent. Meanwhile, an annual dragon boat invitational tournament helps safeguard and transmit this traditional sport to new generations.
Together, these efforts position Macao SAR as a dynamic hub for sports development and public wellness, using the National Games as a launchpad for sustainable community impact.
Reference(s):
Macao SAR's Chao shares thoughts on National Games and future plans
cgtn.com
