(16 August 2023, Macau) The "2023 SJM 11th Asian Junior Wushu Championships" was launched today with an opening ceremony and welcome luncheon held at The Grand Pavilion of Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. The event was graced by the presence of over four hundred attendees, including team leaders, coaches, officials, and athletes from 20 Asian countries and regions, as well as members of the Executive Committee of the Wushu Federation of Asia (“WFA”) and the Championship Organizing Committee. Guests of Honour included Ms. Lo Hou Chi, Representative of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR Government and Advisor of the Office; Mr. Tian Xiaoping, Deputy Director – General of the Department of Publicity and Culture of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Ms. Lam Lin Kio, Acting President of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. Vincent Zhao, renowned martial arts celebrity and an ambassador of WFA; Chairpersons of the Organizing Committee Mr. Ian Fok and Ms. Daisy Ho; along with Executive Chairman Mr. Chan Weng Kit. Special guests in attendance also included Mr. Cheng Wai Tong, Acting Director of the Macao SAR Government Tourism Office; Mr. Chan Iok Wai, Head of Department of Students of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; and Mr. Zhang Qiuping, Secretary-General of the International Wushu Federation and Vice President of WFA.
In his welcoming speech, Mr. Ian Fok, President of WFA, expressed that despite facing challenges over the last three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has finally come to fruition. As we emerge from the pandemic, a new beginning arrives, and with the backing and guidance of the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, the "2023 SJM 11th Asian Junior Wushu Championships" is being hosted in Macau. This event, co-organized and title sponsored by SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”), aims to foster unity and friendship among nations and regions within the Wushu Federation of Asia's framework. It also seeks to present Macau as a destination that embodies a fusion of "multicultural exchange and cooperation base that recognises Chinese culture as the mainstream in the city." Mr. Fok extended his best wishes to the participating athletes and expressed gratitude for the support and contributions from various sectors. He held firm that the Championship would be a resounding success.
In her address, Ms. Daisy Ho, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the "2023 SJM 11th Asian Junior Wushu Championships" and Managing Director of SJM, warmly welcomed the young athletes. She highlighted SJM’s steadfast commitment to foster sports development and nurture local talents, and its active contribution to the advancement of sports tourism in Macau by hosting top-tier sports events. Ms. Ho expressed SJM’s privilege in co-hosting this esteemed Wushu Championships and extended well wishes to all participants for a rewarding experience. She emphasized the significance of local athletes observing and learning from the event, propelling the growth of martial arts in Macau. Additionally, Ms. Ho underscored the deep-rooted wisdom of Chinese martial arts. She urged young athletes not only to pass on their martial skills but also to champion the values of martial virtue, enabling a wider embrace of this rich aspect of Chinese heritage.
As part of the welcome ceremony, gold, silver, and bronze medalists from various wushu events at the recently concluded World University Games—Wong Sam In, Wong Weng Ian, Cheung Ioi Chit, and Lei Cheok Ieong —took the stage to pay tribute to the Asian Junior Wushu Championships on behalf of the co-organizer Wushu General Association of Macau. Following their captivating performances, Mr. Vincent Zhao, ambassador of WFA and Ms. Daisy Ho presented a token of appreciation to the medalists on behalf of the organizer.
Following this, Mr. Ian Fok and Ms. Daisy Ho presented the championship emblem to each participating team leader. A group photo was taken, followed by the referees and athlete representatives taking their oaths. In unison, distinguished guests including Lo Hou Chi, Tian Xiaoping, Lam Lin Kio, Ian Fok, Daisy Ho, Vincent Zhao, and Chan Weng Kit, drummed to formally inaugurate the championship as Mr. Fok declared the championship officially open. The event is scheduled to take place from 17 to 20 August , spanning four consecutive days at the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion. Macau residents and visitors are welcomed to attend and offer their support. Complimentary tickets are available at several locations, including SJM’s Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau (Level 1, Mall Concierge), Grand Lisboa Hotel (Hamper House at hotel lobby), Kam Pek Community Centre, as well as on-site at the Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion. Clubs and schools are welcome to attend as groups by registering through email at macauwushu@gmail.com. With participants fully committed to achieving excellence, an exhilarating event is on the horizon.
Media inquiries:
Wushu General Association of Macau
Phone: (853) 2856-7873
Email: macauwushu@gmail.com