‘Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League Macau 2024’ Draws to Successful Close

Sands China and Asian Sports Development collaborate to provide a platform for talented young fencers to showcase their skills

(Macao, Dec 30, 2024) – Co-organised by Sands China Ltd. and Asian Sports Development Ltd., the Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League Macau 2024 competition was successfully held from Dec. 28 to 30 at The Venetian^® Macao’s Cotai Expo. Over the course of three days, young fencing talents competed passionately, delivering a series of thrilling matches before winners were crowned across various categories.

First hosted in 2023 at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, the Asian Youth Elite Fencing League competition made its debut in Macao this year, receiving robust support from the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Macao Government Tourism Office. This edition of the event brought together nearly 800 young fencers aged 6-14 from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, the United States, and other regions, to engage in 24 individual and 12 team events. Individual competitions took place on the first two days, while the final day featured team events, providing a platform for young fencers specialising in foil, épée, and sabre.

Fencing has been steadily gaining popularity in Hong Kong and Macao in recent years, and this event offered young fencers the chance to experience the excitement of a major competition at the Cotai Expo. Guided by the principle of “friendship first, competition second,” they built lasting bonds with one another over the three-day tournament.

In alignment with the Macao SAR government’s economic diversification strategy, Sands China has made a special effort in co-organising this significant sporting event. By establishing this major international competition in Macao, the company aims to enhance Macao’s global influence, contribute to shining a spotlight on Macao’s identity as a “City of Sports,” and solidify its position as a world centre of tourism and leisure. During the competition, the organisers hosted the Sands Cares Presents: All-Round Fencing Experience Saturday, where they invited Olympic silver medallist and South Korean fencer Yoon Jisu, along with Hong Kong fencing representative Iris Lam, to share their competition experiences and the challenges they have faced in their athletic journeys. Through the personal stories of these elite fencers, they sought to inspire the youth of Macao to pursue their dreams fearlessly and stay dedicated to their goals.

On Sunday, Hong Kong men’s épée athletes Low Ho Tin and Royce Chan Lok Hei shared their fencing journeys with young fencing enthusiasts in Macao and the Sands Cares Ambassadors, Sands China’s community volunteer team. They talked about their experiences, provided hands-on guidance, and taught basic fencing skills and techniques to first-time fencers, offering them valuable experiences and introducing the sport to a wider audience. Furthermore, the event featured professional physical therapists on-site who shared practical tips on preventing sports injuries.

Sands China’s support of the Asian Youth Elite Fencing League is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts. Rooted in Macao for more than two decades, Sands China has sponsored and organised various sporting events over the years featuring international sports stars, including tennis and basketball invitationals and training camps, Golf Day and other events, encouraging the public to participate in sports while attracting tourists and athletes from overseas to visit Macao and experience its charm.

Photo caption: Guests of honour gather with a lion dance team that made a lively appearance at the opening ceremony of the Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League Macau 2024 competition Dec. 28 at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo.

Photo caption: Some of the nearly 800 young fencers from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and beyond participate in the Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League Macau 2024 competition Dec. 28-30 at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo.

Photo caption: Olympic silver medallist and South Korean fencer Yoon Jisu (right), along with Hong Kong fencing representative Iris Lam (left) share their competition experiences and the challenges they have faced in their athletic journeys at the Sands Cares Presents: All-Round Fencing Experience Dec. 28 at The Venetian Macao, as part of the Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League Macau 2024 event.

Photo caption: Hong Kong men’s épée athletes Low Ho Tin (centre) and Royce Chan Lok Hei (right) share their fencing journeys with young fencing enthusiasts in Macao and the Sands Cares Ambassadors, Sands China’s community volunteer team, at the Sands Cares Presents: All-Round Fencing Experience Dec. 29 at The Venetian Macao.

Photo caption: Hong Kong men’s épée athletes Low Ho Tin and Royce Chan Lok Hei provide hands-on guidance and teach basic fencing skills and techniques to first-time fencers Dec. 29 at the Sands Cares Presents: All-Round Fencing Experience at The Venetian Macao.

Photo caption: Professional physical therapists provide on-site assessments and share practical tips on preventing sports injuries at The Venetian Macao during the Sands Cares Presents: All-Round Fencing Experience.

Photo caption: Young fencers face fierce competitors Dec. 28-30 during the Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League Macau 2024 competition.