Enabling Local Youth to Gain New Perspectives on Traditional Cultural Sport

With its pivotal role in promoting traditional Chinese lion dance among youth in Macau, MGM organized an exchange visit to Heshan for 35 children of the MGM Junior Lion Dance Training Program, between ages 6 to 12, on July 28 and 29. Heshan is the birthplace of the Sar Ping (Lui Pai) Lion Dance style that they are learning.

The trip aims to further develop the knowledge and skills of the young lion dancers and continue their interest in this age old tradition. The highlight of the trip was the “Greater Bay Area’s Junior Lion Dance Performances”, where seven junior lion dance troupes from Heshan were invited to perform with the MGM team, sharing knowledge amongst peers to excel in new skills while forming bonds of friendship. Feng Zhaohua, Director of the Heshan Sports Bureau; Zhang Mingzhong, Secretary of the Leading Party Members’ Group; Su Ziliang and Chen Zhong, Deputy Directors of the Heshan Sports Bureau; Hu Jie, Director of the Heshan Culture, Radio, TV, Press and Publication Bureau; Wang Zongqiu, Deputy Director of the Heshan Culture, Radio, TV, Press and Publication Bureau; and Liang Caihong, Director of the Heshan Cultural Bureau attended to show their support. The two-day trip also included the visit to two renowned Chinese martial arts schools based in Heshan, Heshan Bai Qiang Tang martial arts school and the He Pai Lion Dance school, as well as historical attractions such as the Heshan County Museum and the Wing Chun Dr. Leung Jan Tribute Theme Park, enabling young lion dancers to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and history.

Mr. Mak Chi Leong, Chief Coach of the MGM Junior Lion Dance Training Program, said, “The Southern Lion is divided into two major types, the Foshan and the Heshan. As the Greater Bay Area consists of Macau, Foshan and Heshan, I believe that lion dance continues to be an important part of the cultural heritage of the Greater Bay Area. This trip organized by MGM not only deepens mutual understanding and exchange between young people in these two places, but also enhances their lion dance skills and techniques, spiking interest in this traditional sport among youths in the Greater Bay Area.”

One of the parents, Ms. Chan, also expressed her joy, “My sons have both participated in the MGM Junior Lion Dance Training Program for four years, and I have full confidence in their performance. I am proud that my sons have more confidence and perseverance after joining this program, and I will continue to encourage them to learn this traditional Chinese sport.”

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About MGM

MGM is an abbreviation for MGM China Holdings Limited (HKEx: 2282) and 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 MGM COTAI, a contemporary luxury integrated resort in Cotai, which opened in early 2018 and more than doubles our presence in Macau. 

MGM MACAU is a Forbes Five-Star 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 the MGM Art Space, dedicating over 5,000 square feet to display authentic works of art, conference and event facilities, spa, and seven signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. Our property is conveniently located on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex, One Central.

MGM COTAI is the latest addition to the MGM portfolio in China. Designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, it offers approximately 1,400 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 also offers Asia’s first dynamic theater and a spectacle to wow every guest who steps foot in the resort. MGM COTAI is 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. MGM COTAI is the largest property and the first mega-size complex project in Macau to achieve the China Green Building Design Label Three-Star Certification.

MGM China Holdings Limited 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 media enquiries, please contact:    

Jessie Kuan

Assistant Director of Public Relations

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3412

Email: jessiekuan@mgm.mo

Karen Lam

Public Relations Manager

MGM

Tel: (853) 8802 3801

Email: karenlam@mgm.mo