Sands China Brings NBA's Phoenix Suns to Visit MSO Athletes

Latest initiative of company's Sands Cares community outreach programme

(Macao, Sep 3, 2024) – A group of excited young athletes from Macau Special Olympics (MSO) enjoyed a special face-to-face experience with the NBA's Phoenix Suns Tuesday at an inclusive event organised by Sands China at the MSO's Complexo De Servisos Ngai Chun at Seac Pai Van, in expression of the company's care and support for Macao's vulnerable groups.

The delegation from the Phoenix Suns consisted of James Jones, president, general manager, and former player; Suns legends Rex Chapman and Cedric Z. Ceballos; current player Jusuf Nurkić, and Go, the Suns' famously funny gorilla mascot. During their visit, they engaged in meaningful activities, including admiring the handmade ceramic artworks of MSO artist Che Kin Seng and colouring basketball-shaped incense holders with MSO athletes, demonstrating their diverse talents while showing love and care for the local community and inspiring young athletes as they pursue their dreams.

Furthermore, the Suns delegation also lent a helping hand in health check-up activities on Tuesday organised by MSO's Healthy Athletes Programme. The activities consisted of sit-ups, stepping, stretching, and other exercises aimed at promoting the physical well-being of the MSO athletes. Chapman also gave a skills demonstration to the young MSO members during his visit.

"Sands China is so pleased to host this event and bring NBA players and legends to the local community. By spreading joy among individuals with special needs, we aim to promote community inclusion, highlighting that sports can go beyond boundaries with equality and love, mindful that this event is happening during the special period of the Paris Paralympic Games," said Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd. "As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Sands Cares Ambassador Programme this year, we will continue to utilise Sands Cares as a platform for bringing positivity to the community with philanthropic initiatives, as well as cultural and sports events."

Hetzer Siu, chief executive officer of Macau Special Olympics, said: "We are very pleased to have Sands China and the NBA's Phoenix Suns visit our organisation to hold community inclusion activities. This is not only an opportunity for our students to interact with NBA stars, but also demonstrates society's care for the intellectually disabled community and the crucial need to implement social responsibility. We believe that through such activities, we can inspire more Macau Special Olympics members to pursue their dreams and demonstrate their ability to engage in society. During the visit, students showed NBA stars their design talents and artistic products, highlighting that people with disabilities can also become self-reliant through their own efforts. Thank you very much for everyone's presence and support!"

Nurkić said: "It was a pleasure to connect with these young fans today at Macau Special Olympics. Special Olympics is an organisation that does fantastic work in the local communities, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to be here with their members. My thanks go to Macau Special Olympics and Sands China for organising this visit."

Co-organised by Sands China Ltd. and MSO, the Healthy Athletes Programme aims to improve the health of people with intellectual disabilities and to reduce relevant parenting stress. Having helped identify health issues for 6,100 people with intellectual disabilities to date, with 720 children and young adults having enjoyed fully funded follow-up treatments, the programme also offers useful advice for caregivers of its participants.