“Wynn Cup” Qingdao-Macao International Offshore Race Facilitates Marine Economy Development

In response to the Macao SAR Government’s policy to promote the diversified development in sports and tourism, Wynn exclusively sponsored the inaugural 2021 “Wynn Cup” Qingdao-Macao International Offshore Race, a pioneering event that facilitates marine economy development through cross-sector collaboration between Macao and various mainland cities in tourism, sports, and the convention and exhibition industries.
This high-profile sponsorship was also intended to support the recovery of Macao’s economy and tourism sector, the development of the sports industry, as well as the promotion of the SAR’s economic diversification and its development as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.

Macao’s first-ever offshore race
Bolstered by the support and guidance of the General Administration of Sport of China as well as government departments and sports organizations in various cities, the “Wynn Cup” Qingdao-Macao International Offshore Race officially kicked off on May 10 this year in the presence of local government officials from a number of cities. The race starts off from Qingdao, via Ningbo, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and finishes in Macau. A total of nine teams took part, including those from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as the United States, Germany, New Zealand, Canada, Austria and other regions.
Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, the race was the first international sailing rally in China this year which set sail in the spirit of “Vitality, Fashion, Openness, and Integration.” The sailing route connected a number of cities that were important nodes along the Maritime Silk Road and also promoted the integrated development of sports tourism at each stop.

Helping to nurture Macao athletes
As Macao’s only representative in the “Wynn Cup” Qingdao-Macao International Offshore Race, Lo Cheok In (Kent) believes that large-scale sports events enables local athletes to have more room to grow and also deepens appreciation for sailing among the community.
Lo added that “the ‘Wynn Cup’ Qingdao-Macao International Offshore Race is seen as an important global sports event for Macao to promote sailing locally as well as provide a cross-city sports and cultural exchange platform. He hopes that more local people will take part in this activity in the future, experiencing the joy of sailing and helping to popularize sailing culture.”

Promoting marine sports culture
In order to promote sailing among Macao’s youth, the Qingdao-Macao International Offshore Race Organizing Committee arranged a seminar in April to introduce the sailing competition to over 600 teachers and students at the Premier School Affiliated To Hou Kong Middle School and Pui Ching Middle School. The event helped to enhance their understanding of sailing and its associated skills, thereby stimulating their interest in marine sports.
At the end of last month, the Committee also organized an Open Day, the Macau Youth Optimist Race, and the Parade of Yachts where yachts participating in the race moored at the venue to encourage residents to visit, take pictures and savor the glamour of the event.

Forum expedites diversified development of sports tourism
To help facilitate more extensive cooperation within the industry, the Qingdao-Macao International Offshore Race Organizing Committee also hosted the “International Marine Sports and Tourism Development Forum” at Wynn Palace, offering an opportunity for industry representatives from cities with well-developed marine sports tourism industries, such as Qingdao, Ningbo and Xiamen, as well as business representatives from the mainland and Macao tourism and sports industries, and professionals in related fields from China and overseas, to discuss the current trends in marine sports and tourism.
The forum was also honored by the attendance and participation of Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr. Che Jinghua, Director of the Qingdao Municipal Sports Bureau; and Ms. Zhang Ni, Director of the Ningbo Municipal Sports Bureau.