The 2026 MSO Sands China Cup – Greater Bay Area Badminton Invitational concluded successfully on Saturday at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, with venue support by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR government.
Athletes from Macau, Hong Kong, and Guangdong Province gathered for the 2026 MSO Sands China Cup at the Macau East Asian Games Dome on August 8. The tournament, now in its second edition, was jointly organized by Sands China and Special Olympics Macau.
Co-organised by Sands China and Macau Special Olympics (MSO), the tournament featured Special Olympics athletes from Macao, Hong Kong, and Guangdong province.
The event aimed to further promote social inclusion, support the sports development of people with disabilities, and foster social and sports exchange in the Greater Bay Area. Using badminton as a bridge, the event promoted exchange and friendship, fostered inclusion for people of all abilities, and showcased the connectivity and diversity within the Greater Bay Area.
This second edition of the tournament once again invited the Guangdong Special Olympics Badminton Team under the Guangdong Disabled Persons’ Federation and the Special Olympics Hong Kong Team to compete in Macao.
By bringing together Special Olympics athletes from the three regions, the event further strengthened sports exchange and collaboration across the Greater Bay Area. It attracted more than 200 participants, with on-site support provided by Sands Cares Ambassadors and volunteers from the Scout Association of Macau, Macau Baptist College, and the MSO Ambassador programme, demonstrating the spirit of community solidarity and inclusion.
The tournament featured an exciting full-day schedule with more than 100 matches held across seven competition categories, including individual competitions, singles, doubles, and inclusive exhibition matches, as well as the Caregivers’ Cup, which was specially created to give caregivers an opportunity to participate and enjoy the sport together with their children.
Players were matched up with consideration to their varying levels and experience, allowing everyone to showcase their strengths and enhance their skills. The tournament’s individual competitions and singles matches were arranged by the Zhuhai Autism Society, further expanding the participation of community organisations.
In preparation for the tournament, Sands Cares Ambassadors regularly trained with MSO athletes, helping them fully prepare for the matches. On the day of the event, they also served as line judges alongside members of the company’s badminton team, providing full support for the tournament and showcasing an inclusive support model that extends from preparation to competition.
Beyond competitive exchange, this tournament also served as an important warm-up event for MSO athletes as they prepare for the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Chile. The athletes are currently undergoing intensive training and striving to secure their places in the Games with the hope of having the opportunity to shine on the international stage.
Athletes compete in Saturday’s matches. The tournament featured an exciting full-day schedule with more than 100 matches held across seven competition categories, showcasing the connectivity and diversity within the Greater Bay Area.
Athletes compete in Saturday’s matches. The tournament featured an exciting full-day schedule with more than 100 matches held across seven competition categories, showcasing the connectivity and diversity within the Greater Bay Area.
Athletes compete in Saturday’s matches. The tournament featured an exciting full-day schedule with more than 100 matches held across seven competition categories, showcasing the connectivity and diversity within the Greater Bay Area.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “Sands China is honoured to have worked hand in hand with Macau Special Olympics for more than two decades, cultivating a deep and enduring partnership over the years—from supporting the Healthy Athletes Programme and establishing a dedicated healthcare fund for individuals with intellectual disabilities, to organising inclusive sports events and accompanying MSO athletes at local, regional, and international competitions. We have witnessed remarkable transformations and achievements in their health, self-confidence and personal development, jointly advancing the development of an inclusive community in Macao.
“This is the second consecutive year we have organised the MSO Sands China Cup. The event not only showcases the perseverance and growth of MSO athletes, but also fosters meaningful friendships among badminton players from Macao, Hong Kong and Guangdong, bringing together the power of inclusion across the Greater Bay Area.
“Our Sands Cares Ambassadors have also demonstrated remarkable dedication to community service, accompanying MSO athletes throughout their daily training and providing on-site support on competition days, exemplifying the Sands Cares spirit of helping others.
“We will continue to work closely with MSO to create more opportunities for its athletes, supporting them on their journey to the international stage and towards their goal of competing at the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Chile.”
Hetzer Siu, national director of Macau Special Olympics, said: “To continue the excitement sparked by the National Games and Paralympic Games last year, we are delighted to once again invite our counterparts from neighbouring regions to participate in the 2026 MSO Sands China Cup – Greater Bay Area Badminton Invitational in Macao. By facilitating exchanges within the Greater Bay Area, the tournament allowed para sports to further integrate into various events in the region, while providing us with very valuable experience as we prepare for the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Chile.
“The success of the tournament today is undoubtedly owed to Sands China’s generous support. In addition to sponsoring the prizes for this tournament, Sands China provided complimentary hotel accommodation for participating teams from outside Macao. Sands Cares Ambassadors accompanied our athletes throughout their preparatory training and served as line judges at the tournament today, demonstrating their care through practical actions.
Players and volunteers enjoy the 2026 MSO Sands China Cup Saturday. Using badminton as a bridge, the event promoted exchange and friendship while fostering inclusion for people of all abilities.
Players and volunteers enjoy the 2026 MSO Sands China Cup Saturday. Using badminton as a bridge, the event promoted exchange and friendship while fostering inclusion for people of all abilities.
Players and volunteers enjoy the 2026 MSO Sands China Cup Saturday. Using badminton as a bridge, the event promoted exchange and friendship while fostering inclusion for people of all abilities.
Players and volunteers enjoy the 2026 MSO Sands China Cup Saturday. Using badminton as a bridge, the event promoted exchange and friendship while fostering inclusion for people of all abilities.
“Today, August 8, marks National Fitness Day, which is aimed at encouraging people with disabilities and their caregivers to actively participate in sports. Through this event, we hope to support this national initiative while attracting more people with special needs to go out, exercise more, and develop healthy daily habits.”
The National Fitness Day was launched in 2009 to encourage nationwide participation in sports as part of a healthy lifestyle. By scheduling the tournament on National Fitness Day, MSO aimed to align its spirit of inclusion with the concept of “sports for all” while creating more valuable opportunities for MSO athletes to participate in community sports activities.
The tournament not only tested the participants’ badminton skills, adaptability, and mental toughness, but also helped them to build confidence, experience the joy of sports, and gain a sense of achievement.
Guests of honour at Saturday’s award ceremony included representatives from Guangdong Disabled Persons’ Federation, Special Olympics Hong Kong, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Sands China Ltd., Macau Special Olympics, the Education and Youth Development Bureau, Social Affairs Bureau, and the Badminton Federation of Macau.
The award ceremony was held in a heartwarming and lively atmosphere. Athletes from Macao, Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area cities in Guangdong encouraged one other and exchanged souvenirs, exemplifying the values of friendship and respect celebrated by Special Olympics.
In addition to sponsoring fabulous prizes for the tournament, Sands China also fully covered the catering and accommodation of participating teams from outside Macao as well as tournament-related expenses. Looking ahead, Sands China hopes to further strengthen its collaboration with MSO to build a broader stage for athletes with disabilities and facilitate their pursuit of sporting aspirations, while continuing to promote social inclusion by organising various sporting events.
The 2026 MSO Sands China Cup – Greater Bay Area Badminton Invitational was supported by the Badminton Federation of Macau, Cheong Kun Pain Reliever Oil Chinese Medicine Factory, and Macau Coca-Cola Beverage Co., Ltd.
