To further encourage Macao residents to participate in sports and exercises so that the public can experience an interest in sport, cultivate their good habit of regular exercising and foster a healthy lifestyle realising ‘life-long participation in sport’, the 1st Macao Citizen Sports Day organised by the Macau Sport Development Board and co-organised by the General Association of Athletics of Macau and Swimming Association of Macao, China, was held at the Olympic Sports Centre – Stadium and Aquatic Centre on 18th and 19th October 2014. Mr.Cheong U, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, officiated over the opening ceremony for the Sports Day at the Olympic Sports Centre – Indoor Pavilion in the afternoon of 18th October.
In his message, Mr.José Tavares – President of the Macau Sport Development Board – said that the Sports Day provided a larger platform for Macao residents to participate in sports. He hoped that through the Sports Day more residents would participate in sports and experience the wholesome benefits of sport. In this way, they would cultivate an interest in and the habit of regular exercises to enhance physical conditions and individual fitness, promoting the long-term development of public sports. Following the conclusion of the ceremony, guests participated in a friendly competition to physically show their support for the Sports Day and share the fun of sports.
Competition events in this edition included track and field and swimming in assorted categories. To encourage proactive participation in the competitions, each participant who finished the competition was granted a commemorative medal. The organiser also presented prizes to the top five participants in each category. Additionally, the organiser arranged a variety of activities like the synchronised swimming performance, sports games, physical fitness assessment stations and entertainment shows, etc.
The 1st Macao Citizen Sports Day attracted over 2,000 participants. Residents of all ages enthusiastically participated in the event, forming a delightful and bustling atmosphere.
