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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[April 26, 2016, Macau] MGM raises awareness on social inclusion by sponsoring “Conference on Inclusion of Mentally Challenged in Asia’s Modern Society”. MGM is committed to raising public awareness on social inclusion of disabled members in the community and has consistently supported a spectrum of initiatives and activities including workplace diversity, hosting art and sports events with Macau Special Olympics, and partnering with FuHong Society for special projects.
Supporting Social Inclusion through Leadership and Workforce Development
In an effort to educate the community on social inclusion from youth to industry professionals, MGM sponsored the first “Conference on Inclusion of Mentally Challenged in Asia’s Modern Society” held in Macau, organized by the Charity Association of Macau Business Readers. The Conference, held at MGM MACAU’s Grand Ballroom on April 26, welcomed distinguished guests Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary of the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR Government; Mr. Paul Pun, President of the Macau Special Olympics & Event Co-Organizer; Mr. Paulo Azevedo, President of the Charity Association of Macau Business and a global audience of more than 300 participants from various fields including Special Olympics athletes and coaches, government officials, MGM representatives, university students and scholars. Mr. Wilfried Lemke, the United Nations Special Advisor on Sport for Development and Peace, was specially invited to deliver a keynote speech on “Social Inclusion and Education through Sport”, highlighting the linkage between organizing sport events, personal pro-social development and broader societal inclusion and cohesion.
Dr. Alexis Tam, Secretary of the Secretariat for Social Affairs and Culture of Macao SAR Government, said of the topic of social inclusion, “It is significant to continue to support people with disabilities by providing rehabilitation services, equal employment opportunities, education and sports programs. The Special Olympics for, example, is a great initiative for nurturing people with disabilities. We will continue to offer support and encourage more organizers, participants and sponsors to support events of this sort.”
Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, has also delivered a speech on “Leadership and Workforce Development”. During his speech, Mr. Bowie said, “Everybody should receive the right support to achieve their employment aspirations. Here at MGM, we recognize that people with disabilities are just as capable as others and can effectively contribute to our objectives.”
With the commitment to create a better tomorrow today, MGM MACAU works closely with the Labor Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR government and a number of associations and schools for referrals to recruit employees with disabilities. MGM also has a three week internship program in place for students from the Concordia School for Special Education to help young people with disabilities prepare for their future careers. Social and workplace inclusion provides our society with social interactions in corporate, professional settings, inspiring all of us to develop self-confidence, and build friendships with fellow colleagues.
Supporting Social Inclusion through Art
MGM has an on-going collaboration with Macau Special Olympics to host art workshops for Special Olympics athletes in various scales. From decorating a blank lion sculpture at 1.9m tall, to creating designs for a BMW motorbike for Macau Grand Prix and painting six large canvases, MGM has provided a range of platforms for the special athletes of multicultural backgrounds to express themselves through artistic endeavors.
On April 26, over 90 Special Olympics athletes gathered at MGM MACAU’s Grand Ballroom Foyer for yet another art activity. Accompanied by 12 Golden Lion Volunteer Team Members and MGM’s executives, the athletes created designs for racer helmets, canvas bags and more. The activity has helped to weave a closer connection between all participants, leading to a better understanding and awareness of everyone’s individual contribution to society with social inclusion at its heart.
Supporting Social Inclusion through Sports
For six years running, MGM has been a keen supporter to Macau Special Olympics, as well as to the Special Olympics Golf Masters since its inaugural tournament in 2012. This year, in addition to sponsoring the Golf Masters from April 27 to 29, Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited will be one of the officiating guests; Mr. John Shigley, Chief Operating Officer of Gaming; Mr. Michael Clifford, Vice President of Table Games and Mr. Graeme Croft, Vice President of Table Games will each pair up with a Special Olympics Golfer to vie for the trophy. The event is dedicated to help the Golfers develop physical fitness, build courage, confidence and closer ties to the community at large through sports.
Committed to “Create a Better Tomorrow Today,” MGM will continue to support initiatives aimed at bringing the community closer, nurturing a harmonious environment for members of different backgrounds to live and thrive, which contribute to a better future for Macau.
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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 is developing a second resort, MGM COTAI which is expected to more than double 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 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 HK$ 24billion project is expected to open towards the end of the first quarter of 2017.
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 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 & Community Relations
MGM
Tel: (853) 8802 2822
Email: irenewong@mgm.mo
Karen Lam
Public Relations Manager
MGM
Tel: (853) 8802 3801
Email: karenlam@mgm.mo
Juliana Kung
Public Relations Manager
MGM
Tel: (853) 8802 3803
Email: julianakung@mgm.mo