Sands China Supports MSO Healthy Athletes Programme for 13th Consecutive Year
Cultivating the health and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities and fostering social inclusion
Over 7,650 health screenings provided to service users since the programme’s launch in 2014
(Macao, Aug. 6, 2026) – Sands China recently joined hands with Macau Special Olympics (MSO) and the Macau Medical and Health Federation to co-organise the “2026 Special Olympics Community – Healthy Athletes® Programme” event at Saint Paul School Macau, in support of International Special Olympics Day. The programme provides professional health assessment services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, offering support and care to service users and their families. The event attracted nearly 300 participants, including more than 100 dedicated volunteers and medical professionals, comprising Sands Cares Ambassadors, local student volunteers, and healthcare teams from Macao and Hong Kong. Together, they provided comprehensive health screenings and professional health assessment services to nearly 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities. Conducted 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 comprehensive health screening can be more challenging than for others. This year, the programme invited medical specialists from Hong Kong to participate in the event and brought together various healthcare teams in Macao to volunteer and provide services. Through patient communication and professional assessments, they sought to better understand the individual needs of each participant. The health screenings covered seven areas: mental health, oral health, muscle strength, foot condition, vision, hearing, and nutrition, with the aim of identifying potential health issues sooner and helping participants receive appropriate treatment and support.
Since its launch in 2014, the MSO Healthy Athletes Programme has provided health screenings to more than 7,650 individuals. In the same year, Sands China established a dedicated fund to support 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, enabling more MSO members in need to receive ongoing and appropriate medical care, supporting their long-term health and well-being.
Comprehensive health assessments and follow-up support help identify and address health issues among individuals with intellectual disabilities earlier, while easing the financial and day-to-day caregiving pressures faced by their families and caregivers. Through professional services and cross-sector collaboration, the programme not only promotes the physical and mental well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities, but also extends support to their caregivers, enhancing families’ quality of life and fostering a more inclusive community.
The Healthy Athletes event offered dedicated stress assessments for caregivers, helping families of individuals with intellectual disabilities evaluate and relieve psychological stress. In addition, a series of community health forums and interactive game booths focusing on sports, health and well-being were open to the public, further promoting inclusion and mutual support in the community.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to pursue health and happiness. Sands China is deeply honoured to join hands with MSO for the 13th consecutive year to promote the Healthy Athletes programme. Through health screenings, follow-up medical support, and health education, we assist individuals with special needs in identifying and improving health issues at an early stage, while providing practical support to their caregivers. We sincerely thank MSO for their professional dedication and tireless efforts over the years. We also express our gratitude to the Macau Medical and Health Federation, medical teams from Macao and Hong Kong, Sands Cares Ambassadors, local student volunteers, and all participants for their selfless dedication. It is through everyone’s contribution of time, expertise, and love that care is transformed into concrete action, bringing hope, confidence, and strength to individuals with special needs and their families. Moving forward, we will continue to uphold the Sands Cares spirit, uniting forces from all sectors of society to build a more caring and inclusive community together.”
Hetzer Siu, national director of Macau Special Olympics, said: “We are honoured to once again co-organise the ‘Special Olympics Community – Healthy Athletes Programme’ event with Sands China, with the participation of the Macau Medical and Health Federation this year, promoting health and mental well-being within the community through collective efforts. For 13 consecutive years, Sands China’s support for the programme has reflected its long-term commitment to and care for underprivileged communities. This unwavering support has been a key driver of the programme’s success. This year’s event attracted nearly 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities to undergo health assessments, which covered seven specialised areas. Meanwhile, healthcare professionals patiently provided guidance and health education, helping participants gain a better understanding of their health conditions and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to seek assistance and respond when experiencing physical discomfort. With the support of Sands China, participants are also able to receive follow-up medical services. We strongly believe that by fostering health awareness, individuals with intellectual disabilities can build confidence, lead healthier lives, and participate in society.”
The parent of Nina, a beneficiary of the programme and member of Macau Special Olympics, said: “The healthcare professionals and volunteers who participate in the Healthy Athletes Programme have shown exceptional patience, respect and inclusiveness towards children with intellectual disabilities. The programme has not only helped us identify potential health issues in our children at an early stage, but has also provided practical guidance on home care and exercise safety. We hope that the programme will continue and expand its reach, bringing support, strength and hope to more families.”
On behalf of Sands China, Catherine Kong, the company’s vice president of corporate communications and community affairs, presented a MOP 592,900 donation cheque for MSO to Siu at the event’s opening ceremony, in support of MSO’s various key initiatives benefitting individuals with intellectual disabilities this year.
Sands China’s collaboration with MSO has garnered numerous accolades. In 2022, Sands China was awarded the Global Health Leadership Award, the highest honour presented by Special Olympics International and the Golisano Foundation. In recognition of Sands China’s contributions to promoting health equity for individuals with intellectual disabilities and advancing community inclusion, the company also received the Health Leadership Award from the same organisations in 2020 and 2024.
Beyond providing health-related services, Sands China has also extended its support to MSO in advancing diverse sports development initiatives. Part of this year’s donation will be used to organise the “2026 MSO Sands China Cup – Greater Bay Area Badminton Invitational” in August and the “2026 MSO Sands China Cup – Inclusive Community Basketball Carnival” in September. Through sport, Sands China and MSO aim to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to unleash their potential and build confidence, using sport as a bridge to foster mutual understanding and respect, while cultivating a more inclusive community.
Photo caption: Attendees of the “2026 Special Olympics Community – Healthy Athletes Programme” event gather at Saint Paul School Macau in support of International Special Olympics Day. Sands China recently joined hands with Macau Special Olympics (MSO) and the Macau Medical and Health Federation to co-organise the event. The Healthy Athletes programme provides professional health assessment services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, offering support and care to service users and their families.
Photo caption: Catherine Kong (left), vice president of corporate communications and community affairs for Sands China Ltd., presents a donation cheque for MOP 592,900 on behalf of the company to Hetzer Siu (right), national director of Macau Special Olympics, in support of MSO’s various key initiatives benefitting individuals with intellectual disabilities this year.
Photo caption: Volunteers and MSO members participate in the recent “2026 Special Olympics Community – Healthy Athletes Programme” event. Nearly 300 participants, including more than 100 dedicated volunteers and medical professionals, comprising Sands Cares Ambassadors, local student volunteers, and healthcare teams from Macao and Hong Kong, attended. Together, they provided comprehensive health screenings and professional health assessment services to nearly 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities. Conducted in a relaxed and welcoming environment, the event enabled participants to undergo health screenings with ease while helping alleviate nervousness and anxiety.