To implement the Macao SAR government’s policy to develop the sports industry, Wynn continues to collaborate with related sectors to provide opportunities for local youngsters to participate in a wide range of recreational and sports activities, with the aim to further expand the value chains of the sports industry in Macao, and thereby facilitate the diversification of the city’s economic development, while enriching Macao’s position as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
Showcasing the First Torch of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics
The 24th Winter Olympic Games opening ceremony held in Beijing—with the Olympic flame returning to the city for the first time since the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games—marks a significant new milestone in the development of sports in China.
To promote the spirit of sportsmanship with the Macao community, Wynn was honored to welcome the first torch of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, named “Flying,” to be exhibited in the lobby of Wynn Macau from February 9 to 20, 2022, its first official exhibition nationwide.
Linda Chen, President and Executive Director of Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A., believes that the torch is an important symbol that embodies the heart of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Chinese culture, as well as being a representative symbol of the vision and spirit of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Chen also hopes that the exhibition will enable people from Macao and the wider family across the motherland to share and experience the appeal and grandeur of the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Spreading the Olympic Spirit in Schools
Upon completion of the 12-day exhibition, Wynn embarked on an exhibition tour to display the Olympic torch around 10 local schools in order to promote the culture and spirit of the Olympic Games. The first stop of the tour was held in Pui Ching Middle School, where teachers and students were able to see the torch up close and share a special moment together.
The flame lighting ceremony for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games was held at the historic site of the ancient Olympic Games. The flame was then carried to Beijing by the first Chinese torchbearer for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Torch Relay Li Jiajun, one of China’s best short track speed skaters and the first Chinese male athlete to win a medal at the Winter Olympics.
The spiral torch is named “Flying”, with its red and silver coloring symbolizing fire and ice, and the torch flies with passion to illuminate the ice and snow and warm the world. It also represents mutual exchange and learning between different cultures and the Olympic vision to unite the world in solidarity.
Exchange Activities with Olympic Gold Medalists
With the aim to further promote exchanges in sporting activities between Harbin and Macau, Wynn partnered with the Macau Universitarian Sports Association to co-host a “Harbin-Macau Youth Athletes Exchange Session,” inviting an Olympic medal-winning curling coach and athletes from Harbin to interact with more than 300 local floor curling athletes, youngsters, students, and members of Macao Federation of Trade Unions, the Women’s General Association of Macau, and Macau Special Olympics.
Yue Qing Shuang, Olympic gold medal winner and coach of the Chinese wheelchair curling team, alongside 4 young athletes —Li He, Jiang Si Miao, Du Yu Chen and Ma Bo Ya—were invited to introduce the history and techniques of curling to the members of the public.
Supporting Sports Activities for Special Olympics Athletes
Macau Special Olympics athletes won 1 silver and 3 bronze medals at the 11th China National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 8th China National Special Olympic Games. To recognize the athletes’ outstanding performances and promote social inclusion, Wynn joined hands with Macau Special Olympics to organize an Award Presentation Ceremony cum Experience Sharing Session on February 13. During the ceremony, the Macau Special Olympics athletes were awarded certificates of excellence for their incredible achievements and display of their indefatigable spirit and sportsmanship.
Executive Director of Macau Special Olympics Hetzer Siu Yu Hong spoke highly of Wynn’s efforts and also introduced their preparation and participation in the National Games last year. Athletes from Macau Special Olympics were also invited to the stage as guest speakers to share their remarkable experiences and the positive aspects of sports competition.