Integrated resort operator Sands China officially launched its five-day “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week” yesterday at The Venetian Arena, during which students also got to interact with players from the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets through a basketball clinic and the assembling of goodie bags and hygiene kits.
Yesterday’s activities had around 100 attendees and followed Wednesday’s visit to Lou Hau High School by NBA legend Mitch Richmond.
Students got to listen to remarks from four players from the two teams set to square off tonight and on Sunday at The NBA China Games 2025 as they talked about the importance of team work and the inspirations for playing the game, among others.
The ensuing basketball clinic was joined by 60 students from Lou Hau High School, Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School (Macau) and Yuet Wah College Macau, as well as rural coaches and the students from “Her Time to Play”, an NBA Cares initiative promoting girls’ basketball in the Chinese mainland, allowing youngsters to practise their skills and learn from the players.
At the same time, the students and athletes, along with Sands Cares Ambassadors, gathered to pack goodie bags and health kits.
Addressing yesterday’s attendees, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in his speech that the youngsters can use the sport to learn important values that will become part of their lives such as discipline, hard work and respect. He encouraged them to take the opportunity to learn these values and have fun.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Dumont said in his opening speech that “the positive impact of this week on the community and Macau’s reputation as a global destination for leisure and business tourism will be tremendous.”
A number of Sands China and NBA representatives attended yesterday’s event, among which were NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai and Sands China Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Grant Chum Kwan Lock. Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer and Yao Foundation Chairman Yao Ming was also present.
Meanwhile, on the experience, two students surnamed Lei from Yuet Wah College and Chio from the Sheng Kung Hui Choi Kou School told the Post they were happy to have been able to engage with NBA players in a cheerful atmosphere. Lei said that the experience inspired him to try harder to become a better basketball player, while Chio said he will continue to play the sport as long as he can.
More events for the impact week featuring NBA legends and competing players are slated to take place until Sunday, including the distribution of lunchboxes and a community basketball carnival.
NBA legend and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Executive Director Andre Iguodala (starting from 1st row, 7th from left); Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer and Yao Foundation Chairman Yao Ming; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver; Las Vegas Sands Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Dumont; Sands China Executive Vice Chairman Wilfred Wong Ying-wai; and Sands China Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Grant Chum Kwan Lock pose after yesterday’s “NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week” launch ceremony. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
