[September 14, 2015 – Macau] The MGM Lion Dance Championship has achieved such success and global notoriety that it expanded this year, hosting its first ever event in Beijing, the “MGM Lion Dance Championship – Beijing International Invitational 2015”, at The Orange in Sanlitun, Beijing’s Chaoyang district on September 13. The stellar event was organised by MGM MACAU, co-hosted by its Mainland affiliate, Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality, with the Chinese Long Shi Sports Association and MGM Grand Sanya as event partners. A total of 10 lion dance troupes competed at the Beijing leg, and Indonesia Kong Ha Hong Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe took home the title of the Champion.

The “MGM Lion Dance Championship – Beijing International Invitational 2015” captured the city’s attention on this traditional Chinese sport. To celebrate the event, the Organizing Committee of MGM Lion Dance Championship visited the Office of the Macao Special Administrative Region in Beijing on September 11 and was warmly welcomed by Ms. Hong Wai, the Director of the Office of the Macao SAR in Beijing. During the visit, they exchanged their visions and passion in promoting the Lion Dance art and culture. In addition to the celebration, a welcome dinner was hosted at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing for the participating guests, judges, and lion dance troupes on the eve of the competition.

An impressive line-up of 10 lion dance troupes from all over the world, including Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau SAR, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, competed in Beijing for the coveted Lion Dance Champion title. The troupe from Singapore forfeited the tournament due to injuries. The teams performed their best in the heated competition, and Indonesia Kong Ha Hong Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe ultimately took home the title of MGM Lion Dance Championship – Beijing International Invitational Champion, while Foshan Nanhai Huangfeihong Zhonglian Cable Lion Dragon and Martial Art Association from China and Kun Seng Keng Dragon and Lion Dance Association from Malaysia finished as the first and second runners-up respectively. Captivating and thrilling, the performers enthralled audiences with their spectacular dance moves at the competition.

At the award ceremony, Ms. Hong Wai, Director of the Office of the Macao Special Administrative Region in Beijing; Mr. Lau Kung Shing, Vice President of Chinese Long Shi Sports Association; Mr. Bill Scott, Executive Director and General Manager of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality; Mr. Liu Yaning; Director and Deputy General Manager of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality; Mr. Fred Zhou, Deputy General Manager of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality; Mr. Chao Chi Man, Vice Chairman of Macau Wushu Association and Ms. Sarah Rogers, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Responsibility of MGM China, presented the awards to the winning teams, including tailor-made trophies, medals and cash prizes. The champions sincerely thanked the guests, judges, their coaches and fellow teams, and posed for group photos with guests in attendance.

Mr. Hubert Wang, Senior Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer of MGM China, said at the Welcome Dinner, “This year marks the fifth anniversary of MGM Lion Dance Championship, a reflection of MGM China’s consistent dedication to investing in the culture and community in which we operate.  The event has gained recognition both in its scale and in the standard of competition, becoming one of the world’s most anticipated lion dance events. We are very proud to bring this competition to Beijing for the first time and witness the birth of our Champion of the Beijing leg. We hope to extend this competition event to other cities in China, which will help to promote this significant piece of Chinese culture into an internationally recognized sport.”

Mr. Bill Scott, Executive Director and General Manager of Diaoyutai MGM Hotel Group, said, “We are very excited to collaborate with MGM MACAU to support Lion Dance in Beijing. Lion Dance represents both the traditional Chinese cultural elements we promote through the Diaoyutai brand, and the excitement of MGM Grand.”

Mr. Yu Hao, Secretary-General of Chinese Dragon & Lion Dance Association, said, “We would like to sincerely thank MGM China and Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality for their support and efforts which led to the tremendous success of the Beijing Invitational of the MGM Lion Dance Championship. On behalf of our Association, we look forward to working with the MGM teams again to pass on the Chinese culture the traditions and the sportsmanship in the Lion Dance.”  

Following the Beijing invitational, the “MGM Lion Dance Championship – Macau International Invitational 2015” will be held on November 14 and 15, in which more than 14 international lion dance teams will compete in the two-day event in Macau.

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About MGM China

MGM China (HKEx: 2282) is a leading developer, owner and operator of gaming and lodging resorts in the Greater China region. We are the holding company of MGM Grand Paradise, SA which holds one of the six gaming concessions/subconcessions to run casino games in Macau.  MGM Grand Paradise, SA owns and operates MGM MACAU, the award-winning premium integrated resort located on the Macau Peninsula and is developing a second resort, MGM COTAI which is expected to more than double our presence in the world’s largest gaming market, Macau. 

MGM MACAU is a luxury integrated resort inspired by the arts with every element of the resort infused with creativity and style.  MGM MACAU has approximately 600 guest rooms and suites and boasts a number of distinguishing features, including the architecturally stunning European-inspired Grande Praça, housed under a soaring glass ceiling.  MGM MACAU’s world class facilities include an Art Space dedicating over 8,000 square feet to display authentic works of art, conference and event facilities, an award-winning spa, and nine signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. Our property is conveniently located on prime waterfront on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex, One Central.

MGM COTAI designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, plans to offer approximately 1,500 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high end spa, retail offerings and food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience.  MGM COTAI will offer Asia’s first dynamic theater and a spectacle to wow every guest who steps foot in our resort. MGM COTAI is being developed to drive greater product diversification and bring more advanced and innovative forms of entertainment to Macau as it grows as a global tourist destination. The US$3 billion project is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2016. 

MGM China is majority owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a portfolio of destination resort brands including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage.  For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:    

Irene Wong                                  
Vice President of Public & Communication Relations
MGM China                                                                                          
Tel: (853) 8802 2822                                    
Email: irenewong@mgmchina.com.mo

Karen Lam                                                                                                     
Assistant Public Relations Manager                               
MGM China                                                                    
Tel: (853) 8802 3801                                                       
Email: karenlam@mgmchina.com.mo                            

Juliana Kung   
Assistant Public Relations Manager
MGM China
Tel: (853) 8802 3803
Email: julianakung@mgmchina.com.mo