“MGM Lion Dance Championship – Macau International Invitational 2019” press conference and graduation ceremony for the “Junior Lion Dance Training Program 2019” took place today at MGM COTAI’s Ballroom. Right after the astonishing drum performance by the junior lion dancers of “MGM Junior Lion Dance Continuous Training Program” that welcomed nearly 200 guests, MGM announced that this year’s Championship will once again take place at MGM Theater at MGM COTAI on November 23 and 24, gathering lion dance teams from all over the world to perform and compete with each other.

“MGM Lion Dance Championship – Macau International Invitational 2019” is co-hosted by Wushu General Association of Macau, while “Junior Lion Dance Training Program 2019” is a collaboration with Hong Wai Dragon & Lion Dance Association Macau. Both events are honorably supported by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) and Sports Bureau (SB).

The event today was officiated by Guests of Honor, including Mr. Zuo Xianghua, Director of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of MGTO; Ms. Serene Chan, Head of Research and Investigation Department of Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau; Mr. Wong Chi Iong, Acting Chief of Department of Education of DSEJ; Mr. Chan Weng Kit, President of Wushu General Association of Macau; Mr. Chao Chi Man, Chairman of Hong Wai Dragon & Lion Dance Association Macau; and Mr. Grant Bowie, CEO and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited.

“Junior Lion Dance Performance Competition” Makes Its Return

This year’s Championship features lion dance teams from countries and regions including China, Malaysia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Australia, the United States, Cambodia, Myanmar, Hong Kong and Macau SAR, making the competition truly international. The two-day action-packed Championship will also include the “Female Traditional Lion Dance Championship” with international standard rating system, and “Junior Lion Dance Performance Competition”, which was launched just last year.

Mr. Grant Bowie said, “As a company deeply rooted in Macau for many years, MGM has always been tied with Chinese culture. We strive to engage our community, especially the younger generation to learn more about this traditional Chinese sport that has connected Chinese communities from all over the world. While we celebrate the finest level of athleticism and performance of the champions, we also have to celebrate and appreciate the commitment and passion of these graduating young lion dancers who have just completed weeks of training. I truly hope it will be years of commitment for these children, which will make them stronger, more committed, and most importantly having a personal connection to Chinese culture.”

Mr. Chan Weng Kit expressed his gratitude towards MGM and other parties for hosting and supporting the International Lion Dance Championship, “Over the years, the MGM International Lion Dance Championship has received unwavering support and appreciation from Macau locals, tourists and lion dance lovers. The Championship also adds vibes of jubilation and traditional Chinese festivity to the city, which at the same time diversifies Macau’s tourism offerings. We are grateful to be able to invite all these elite international teams, and together we will popularize this traditional sport to the world.”

76 New Little Masters Graduated to Pass on this Chinese Heritage

A certificate presentation session was then hosted to congratulate the fresh graduates of the 5^th Junior Lion Dance Training Program, which took place over the past seven weeks. A total of 76 graduates aged between five and eight were awarded with certificates, and the joyous occasion concluded with their fledged lion dance performance, all decked in costumes and armed with full sets of props.

With its pivotal role in promoting traditional lion dance among youth in Macau, MGM organized an exchange visit to Guangzhou for 43 children of the “MGM Junior Lion Dance Continuous Training Program” during the summer, aiming to enhance the knowledge and skills of the young lion dancers and continue their interest in this age old tradition. During the two-day visit, the group performed with two local lion dance associations and exchanged knowledge to excel in new skills. The group also visited Yong Qing Fang of Liwan, Cantonese Opera Art Museum and Shamian Island to gain a deeper understanding of local history, architecture, and most importantly, the stories behind the traditional 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 integrated resort of MGM in China. Designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, it offers approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, Asia’s first dynamic theater, 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. The Spectacle at MGM COTAI becomes the record holder of the largest free-span gridshell glazed roof (self-supporting) on January 19, 2019, making it the first architectural and structural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Macau, China. 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. 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

Director of Public Relations

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3412

Email: jessiekuan@mgm.mo

Karen Lam

Public Relations Manager

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3421

Email: karenlam@mgm.mo