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.
Over three days, young fencing talents competed passionately in the Asian Youth Elite Fencing League, delivering thrilling matches before winners were crowned across various categories.
First launched in 2023 at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong, the event debuted in Macao this year with strong support from the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government and the Macao Government Tourism Office.
Nearly 800 young fencers aged 6-14 from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, the United States, and other regions participated in 24 individual and 12 team events.
The first two days featured individual competitions, while team events took place on the final day, showcasing foil, épée, and sabre specialisations.
Young fencers face fierce competitors Dec. 28-30 during the Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League Macau 2024 competition.
As fencing grows in popularity in Hong Kong and Macao, the event provided young athletes with the opportunity to experience the thrill of a major competition at the Cotai Expo.
Guided by the principle of “friendship first, competition second,” the tournament fostered lasting bonds among participants.
Aligned with the Macao SAR government’s economic diversification strategy, Sands China co-organised the event to strengthen Macao’s position as a “City of Sports” and enhance its global reputation as a world centre of tourism and leisure.
The event also featured the Sands Cares Presents: All-Round Fencing Experience, where Olympic silver medallist Yoon Jisu and Hong Kong fencing representative Iris Lam inspired youth by sharing their journeys and challenges, encouraging them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
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.
On Sunday, Hong Kong men’s épée athletes Low Ho Tin and Royce Chan Lok Hei engaged with young fencers, offering hands-on guidance and teaching basic fencing skills to first-time participants.
Professional physical therapists were also present to share tips on preventing sports injuries.
Sands China’s support for the Asian Youth Elite Fencing League is part of its long-standing corporate social responsibility efforts.
Having been rooted in Macao for over two decades, the company has organised numerous sporting events featuring international stars, including tennis, basketball, and golf initiatives.
These events aim to encourage public participation in sports, attract overseas tourists and athletes, and showcase Macao’s unique charm as a destination.
This year’s fencing league further highlighted Sands China’s commitment to promoting sports and fostering community engagement in Macao.
