Sands China recently joined Macau Special Olympics (MSO) and the Macau Medical and Health Federation to organise the “2026 Special Olympics Community: Healthy Athletes Programme” event at Saint Paul School Macau, in support of International Special Olympics Day.
Attendees gather at Saint Paul School Macau for the “2026 Special Olympics Community: Healthy Athletes Programme”, organised by Sands China, Macau Special Olympics and the Macau Medical and Health Federation in support of International Special Olympics Day.
The programme provides professional health assessments for individuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as support and care for service users and their families.
The event attracted nearly 300 participants, including more than 100 volunteers and medical professionals. Sands Cares Ambassadors, local students and healthcare teams from Macao and Hong Kong provided comprehensive health screenings and professional assessments to nearly 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities.
This year, the programme invited medical specialists from Hong Kong and brought together healthcare teams in Macao to volunteer and provide services. The screenings covered seven areas: mental health, oral health, muscle strength, foot condition, vision, hearing and nutrition. They aimed to identify potential health issues earlier and help participants receive appropriate treatment and support.
Since its launch in 2014, the MSO Healthy Athletes Programme has provided more than 7,650 health screenings. 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 more than 930 follow-up treatments and support services, enabling MSO members in need to receive continued and appropriate medical care.
Comprehensive health assessments and follow-up support help identify and address health issues among individuals with intellectual disabilities at an earlier stage, while easing the financial and day-to-day pressures faced by their families and caregivers.
Through professional services and cross-sector collaboration, the programme promotes the physical and mental well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities, supports their caregivers and contributes to a more inclusive community.
The event also offered dedicated stress assessments for caregivers, helping families evaluate and relieve psychological pressure. A series of community health forums and interactive game booths focusing on sport, health and well-being were also open to the public, further promoting inclusion and mutual support within the community.
Volunteers and MSO members participate in the “2026 Special Olympics Community: Healthy Athletes Programme”. Nearly 300 people attended the event, including more than 100 volunteers and medical professionals. Together, they provided health screenings and professional assessments to nearly 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteers and MSO members participate in the “2026 Special Olympics Community: Healthy Athletes Programme”. Nearly 300 people attended the event, including more than 100 volunteers and medical professionals. Together, they provided health screenings and professional assessments to nearly 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteers and MSO members participate in the “2026 Special Olympics Community: Healthy Athletes Programme”. Nearly 300 people attended the event, including more than 100 volunteers and medical professionals. Together, they provided health screenings and professional assessments to nearly 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Volunteers and MSO members participate in the “2026 Special Olympics Community: Healthy Athletes Programme”. Nearly 300 people attended the event, including more than 100 volunteers and medical professionals. Together, they provided health screenings and professional assessments to nearly 150 individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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 its 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 care that support 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’ 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 covering seven specialised areas. Healthcare professionals also provided patient guidance and health education, helping participants better understand 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 programme beneficiary and member of Macau Special Olympics, said: “The healthcare professionals and volunteers participating 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 it will continue and expand its reach, bringing support, strength and hope to more families.”
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.
During the opening ceremony, Catherine Kong, vice president of corporate communications and community affairs at Sands China, presented a donation cheque for MOP 592,900 to Hetzer Siu on behalf of the company. The donation will support MSO’s key initiatives benefiting individuals with intellectual disabilities this year.
Sands China’s collaboration with MSO has received several accolades. In 2022, the company received the Global Health Leadership Award, the highest honour presented by Special Olympics International and the Golisano Foundation.
In recognition of its contribution to promoting health equity for individuals with intellectual disabilities and advancing community inclusion, Sands China also received the Health Leadership Award from the same organisations in 2020 and 2024.
In addition to providing health-related services, Sands China has supported MSO in developing a range of sporting initiatives. Part of this year’s donation is being 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 help individuals with intellectual disabilities fulfil their potential and build confidence, while fostering greater understanding, respect and inclusion within the community.
