‘Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League 2024’ Makes Debut in Macao
Co-organised by Sands China Ltd. and Asia Sports Development Ltd.
(Macao, Dec. 24, 2024) – The Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League Macau 2024 is coming to the Venetian®️ Macao’s Cotai Expo Dec. 28-30, co-organised by Sands China Ltd. and Asia Sports Development Ltd. For the first time, elite young fencers from around the world will compete in Macao for the three-day event and showcase their skills across various age categories.
The Asian Youth Elite Fencing League was first held in 2023 at the Hong Kong AsiaWorld-Expo and was a resounding success. This year, the event will take place in Macao for the first time, with nearly 800 young fencers aged 6-14 from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, and the United States competing in a total of 36 events. The first two days of the competition feature individual events in foil, épée, and sabre across boys’ and girls’ U8 (under 8 years old), U10 (under 10 years old), U12 (under 12 years old), and U14 (under 14 years old) categories. The final day will feature U10 and U14 team events across all fencing types.
The Asian Youth Elite Fencing League is a significant youth sporting event, which the organisers hope to develop into an Asian youth fencing league. By doing so, they aim to promote the development of youth sports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area while preserving the heritage of fencing. The fencing pistes (playing areas) at Cotai Expo are standard FIE (International Fencing Federation) adult competition pistes featuring FIE referees. Video assistant referee (VAR) technology will be used during the elimination rounds to provide a global competition experience for young fencers and to promote the development of youth fencing in Asia.
Alongside the fencing matches, Sands China is holding the Sands Cares Presents: All-Round Fencing Experience community event. Olympic silver medallist Yoon Jisu from South Korea and Hong Kong fencing representative Lam Hin Wai will share the experiences and challenges of their athletic careers, aiming to inspire a new generation of fencers in Macao to pursue their dreams and persevere in achieving their goals.
Hong Kong men’s sabre representatives Low Ho Tin and Chan Lok Hei Royce will share their experiences as well, and provide hands-on fencing guidance to the young athletes Dec. 29. Chan himself began as a young fencer and developed to become the current top-ranking fencer in Hong Kong; he and his apprentice Low hope to inspire the young athletes to carry on the spirit of sabring. Professional physiotherapists will also participate and share important tips on preventing sports injuries.
Fencing has become increasingly popular in both Hong Kong and Macao in recent years. The Asian Youth Elite Fencing League provides a platform for young fencers to experience the atmosphere of participating in large-scale competitions and to promote the development of fencing in both regions through the inspiring stories of elite fencers.
The Sands China Ltd. Asian Youth Elite Fencing League Macau 2024 matches and associated activities are free and open to the public. For more details, please visit www.venetianmacao.com/entertainment/asian-youth-elite-fencing-league-macao-2024.html.
Sands China’s support of the Asian Youth Elite Fencing League is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts and its support of ‘tourism + sport.’ Rooted in Macao for more than two decades, Sands China has sponsored and organised various sporting events over the years featuring international sports stars, including tennis and basketball invitationals and training camps, Golf Day and other events, encouraging the public to participate in sports while attracting tourists and athletes from overseas to visit Macao and experience its charm.
