Melco Resorts & Entertainment supported Special Olympics Macau (MSO) on the annual collaborative Melco x MSO Sports Day & Track and Field Game last weekend at Macau Olympic Stadium, Taipa. A group of 400 persons consisting MSO members, Melco employees and the Company’s volunteers were joined by their families and members of the community in the participation of three competitions, namely an exclusive 4 x 100m relay run to celebrate the special occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR; a family 50m three-legged race; and a family triathlon. Melco volunteers were also onsite to help with operations, spending time with MSO members and other community participants.
Ms. Akiko Takahashi, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to Chairman and CEO, said, “Melco supports equal opportunities for personal growth and social advancement, as demonstrated through the Company’s various initiatives for persons with disabilities (PWD), including through collaborations with relevant community associations and inviting PWD to visit our front operations and employee-only Heart-of-House facilities. We also continue to work closely with local labor departments such as Macau’s Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) since 2013 to offer PWD permanent work placements, communicating with individuals to incorporate modifications into job roles tailored to their needs and circumstances.
“The Melco x MSO sporting event is another initiative aligned with our philosophy for increased social integration for PWD, which is now in its fourth year, also this year especially held to celebrate the occasion of the China-Macau Double Anniversary. Our thanks go to Melco’s trusted community partners such as MSO in helping us cooperatively contribute to the sustainable and healthy development of Macau and the local community.”
Mr. Hetzer Siu Yu Hong, Chief Executive Officer/National Director of Special Olympics Macau, said, “To celebrate the China-Macao double anniversary, Melco and MSO jointly hosted a commemorative relay race during the event with members of MSO and the community participating to demonstrate social integration and harmoniousness in Macau. The four types of events in track and field, including walking, running, jumping and throwing, are important elements of everyday life. As PWD are required to work harder than most people to master such skills, they can be enhanced with self-confidence and physical strength through competition. We also hope the event will continue to generate recognition for MSO’s athletes.”
Melco volunteer-athlete Mr. Horace Ho, Assistant Director of Table Games, commented: “This has been my third year of participating in the game. What a great experience it was to partner with MSO members to run together as a part of a team. The importance of teamwork aided communication and mutual encouragement between us, which was both beneficial and enjoyable.”
The Melco x MSO Sports Day & Track and Field Game aims to draw together persons of all abilities in the promotion of social integration, to boost self-esteem, increase overall social awareness and interactivity, and serve as a platform for all members of the community to compete at their optimal level and showcase their abilities. Though track and field is a common and popular sport among the wider community, facilities and races for persons with special needs are somewhat less accessible. As such, it is hoped that the event will provide a suitable opportunity to highlight the sport for all persons throughout the local community.
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