What a ride at the 15th National Games! 🏆 For Macao SAR, it was more than a championship—it was a chance to level up sports culture and public fitness. As one of the three hosts alongside Guangdong and Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR sent its biggest squad ever: over 600 members including more than 400 athletes competing in 23 sports and 14 mass events, plus nearly 200 reps at the 9th National Special Olympic Games. Talk about squad goals! 💪
Director Chao Kuok Wai believes this edition sparked a fitness revolution. Macao SAR hosted 100 mass-sports activities this year—a 64% jump from last year’s 61—while opening all public fitness venues for free during the Games. "Free access helped break barriers and get more people moving," Chao said. And the plan doesn’t stop here: expect more events, pop-up venues, and facility upgrades on the horizon. ¡Vamos! 🚀
But sports in Macao SAR is also a story of heritage. Despite its compact size, the SAR supports 57 sports associations—from martial arts and dragon boat racing to football, basketball, table tennis, and swimming. In recent years, five financial aid programs have boosted these groups. Highlight alert: a youth martial arts school co-founded with the Wushu Association is training the next generation of champions. Plus, an annual international dragon boat invitational keeps tradition afloat. 🚣♀️🔥
Through these strategies, Macao SAR is set to become a vibrant hub for sports and wellness. The National Games were just the beginning. Stay tuned as the region keeps cheering on public fitness and cultural pride—one event at a time! ✨
Reference(s):
Macao SAR's Chao shares thoughts on National Games and future plans
cgtn.com
