[July 6, 2025, Macau] As the kickoff event of the “MGM Lion Dance Championship 2025 Annual Spectacle”, the “11th MGM Junior Lion Dance Summer Class 2025” officially launched today (July 6). This year’s program saw an overwhelming response, with applications exceeding the enrollment quota by six times—setting a record high on applications. Jointly organized by MGM and the Mak Chi Leong Dragon & Lion Dance Sports Association, the “11th MGM Junior Lion Dance Summer Class” is proudly supported by the Sports Bureau, Education and Youth Development Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau, Macao Government Tourism Office, and the Wushu General Association of Macau. A total of 100 junior lion dancers will undergo seven weeks of intensive training at the former Barra Slaughterhouse, aiming to cultivate the next generation of Lingnan lion dance talent and promote the preservation and transmission of this intangible cultural heritage.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Catarina Lio, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing of MGM, said, “As we celebrate the 11th edition of this program, we are delighted to see a record-breaking number of applicants from nearly 70% of schools across Macau, with the number of female applicants tripling compared to last year. This growing interest reflects the increasing recognition of lion dance as a competitive sport in Macau and stands as a strong testament to MGM’s decade long-standing commitment to preserving and promoting Lingnan lion dance culture. We are deeply grateful for the trust and support from the community, parents and young lion dancers.”

The opening ceremony was held at the Grand Ballroom of MGM MACAU, drawing nearly 250 junior lion dancers and their families. MGM's mascot Leo made an impressive appearance to welcome the participants and mark the start of the summer class. Members of the “MGM Lion Dance Training Program” delivered a mesmerizing lion dance performance, serving as role models for the new trainees. In keeping with tradition, the alumni tied waist belts for the new lion dancers, symbolizing the passing of the lion dance spirit from one generation to the next.

The “MGM Lion Dance Championship 2025 Annual Spectacle” promises a vibrant lineup of exciting activities with the “12th International Lion Dance Championship 2025 – MGM Cup” set to take place on October 4 and 5 at the Barra Square, where elite lion dance teams from around the world will gather for a series of thrilling competitions. Held in conjunction with the Lion Dance Championship is the “Lion Dance Festival”, which will engage the local community and align with the “Culture City of East Asia 2025 – Macao, China” initiative. By showcasing distinctive lion dance traditions from East Asia, the event offers both locals and visitors an up-close experience of the captivating charm of international lion dance culture. Through a dynamic lineup of activities, MGM aims to elevate the global appeal of lion dance, promote cultural unity, and to position Macau as a leading destination for cultural and sports tourism.

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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 Greater China. We are the holding company of MGM Grand Paradise, SA which holds one of the six gaming concessions 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. 

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. The POLY MGM MUSEUM spanning almost 2,000 square meters, is constructed in accordance with Chinese national standards for the exhibition of Grade-One cultural relics. MGM MACAU’s world class facilities also include 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.

Designed as the “jewelry box” of Cotai, MGM COTAI offers approximately 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, meeting space, high end spa, retail offerings, food and beverage outlets as well as the first international Mansion at MGM for the ultimate luxury experience.  MGM has joined hands with renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou to set up the “Macau 2049” residency in MGM Theater. 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 only mega complex and hotel in Macau to gain three-star certification in both Green Building Design and Operation Label, as well as the first hotel in the Greater Bay Area and second in Greater China to receive the certifications.

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, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Park MGM. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at.

For media enquiries, please contact:    

Jessie Kuan

Executive Director of Public Relations

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3412

Email: jessiekuan@mgm.mo

Karen Lam

Assistant Director of Corporate Relations

MGM

Tel: (853) 8806 3421

Email: karenlam@mgm.mo