Macao International Dragon Boat Races, the annual spectacle on Macao’s sporting calendar, was recently held once again. As this year marks the 10^th Anniversary of the Historic Centre of Macao as World Heritage, additional elements such as parade performances were introduced to the event to fortify the features, a new endeavour for the perfect combination of World Heritage and sports event. This year, 47 elite teams from Macao, the Mainland and overseas signed up for the highly competitive Dragon Boat Races.

Youngsters are the future of our society, while our young athletes are the hope of Macao sports. Over the past years, the Macao SAR Government has attached great importance to the cultivation of youngsters, providing them with a variety of favourable conditions and platforms such as for the Sichuan-Macao and the Fujian-Macao Youth Sports Exchange activities. They enable youngsters from both regions to learn from each other, deepening mutual understanding, enhancing friendship and strengthening skills.

The World Challenge Day is one of the world events advocated by the Association for International Sport for All (TAFISA) and supported by the Asiania Sport for All Association (ASFAA). In response to the event, Macao participants from all walks of life have been invited since 2001. This year, participants accounted for an excellent 40.26% of the population, which is attributed to the positive response and active participation of Macao residents. In this quarter, various magnificent Sport for All activities were held, including the 1^st May Concert, the Spring Cycling Tour, Family Sports Day, Spring ‘Free Sports Ground’ Ball Games Competition, and the Macao Sports Day for the Disabled, participating in which readers could experience the pleasure of the principle ‘Let’s exercise for our health’.

The Public Sports Facilities Network column introduces that the Board simplified the rental procedures for sport venues, and added a payment service for venue rental with ‘Quick Pass’, providing more payment options for residents. With all these convenient measures, it is hoped that more residents are encouraged to participate in sport and exercise their bodies.

JOSÉ TAVARES