Sands China Supports MSO Healthy Athletes Programme for 13th Consecutive Year

Free health screenings for MSO members Annual donation to MSO

Sands China, Macau Special Olympics (MSO) and the Macau Medical and Health Federation recently co-organised the “2026 Special Olympics Community – Healthy Athletes® Programme” event at Saint Paul School Macau, in support of International Special Olympics Day. The programme provides annual professional health assessments for individuals with intellectual disabilities, offering support and care to them and their families. This year’s event attracted nearly 300 participants, including over 100 volunteers and medical professionals, comprising Sands Cares Ambassadors, local student volunteers, and healthcare teams from Macao and Hong Kong. Together, they worked together in service to nearly 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities. In a relaxed and welcoming environment, the event enabled participants to undergo health screenings with ease while helping alleviate nervousness and anxiety.

For many individuals with intellectual disabilities, accurately expressing physical discomfort, proactively seeking medical consultation, and even completing a health screening can be challenging. Through patient communication and professional assessments, medical specialists and healthcare teams sought to better understand the needs of each participant, helping identify potential health issues sooner for appropriate treatment and support.

Since launching in 2014, the MSO Healthy Athletes Programme has screened more than 7,650 individuals. In the same year, Sands China established a fund for the long-term health management and follow-up medical care of individuals with intellectual disabilities. To date, the fund has sponsored over 930 follow-up treatments and support services.

The assessments and follow-up support help ease the financial and day-to-day caregiving pressures faced by their families and caregivers. Through cross-sector collaboration, the programme promotes the physical and mental well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities and extends support to their caregivers, enhancing families’ quality of life and fostering a more inclusive community.

One participating MSO parent commented: “The healthcare professionals and volunteers who participate in the Healthy Athletes Programme have shown exceptional patience, respect and inclusiveness towards children with intellectual disabilities… We hope that the programme will continue and expand its reach, bringing support, strength and hope to more families.”