Commentary by Manuel Silvério*
On Portugal Day, Camões Day and the Day of Portuguese Communities, we celebrate not only the history, culture and Portuguese language, but also the unique ability that this language continues to have to unite peoples, geographies and different civilisations.
In Macau, this reality found a particularly symbolic expression in October 2006, with the organisation of the first edition of the Lusofonia Games. Nearly 20 years later, I continue to regard that moment as one of the most significant affirmations of Macau as a platform for encounters between cultures.
Under the motto “Four continents, one language, united through sport”, the Games brought together young athletes from Asia, Africa, Europe and South America, demonstrating that the Portuguese language could be much more than a historical or cultural heritage. It could also be a human bridge.
When Sport Brings People Together
At that time, Macau was also experiencing an important phase in its international affirmation, accompanying the strategic vision launched by Beijing through the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries. Yet while economics brings markets closer together, sport brings people closer together.
And this is perhaps one of the most important forms of contemporary diplomacy.
Silent Diplomacy
Throughout my life connected to the Lusophone sporting movement, I have learnt that sport possesses an extraordinary capacity to create silent understanding among different peoples. Before agreements exist, trust must exist. Before political cooperation, there must be human understanding. Sport creates precisely this space for coexistence, respect and rapprochement.
More Than a Competition
The Lusofonia Games represented exactly that. They were not merely a sporting competition. They were a tangible expression of friendship among young people from different continents, cultures and social realities. They also demonstrated what Macau does best: welcoming, connecting and fostering dialogue.
The Value of Volunteering
There is, however, another aspect of these Games that equally deserves to be remembered and valued.
During the preparation and staging of the event, Macau benefited from the significant participation of volunteers from different nationalities residing in the Macau SAR. Young people and adults, Chinese and Portuguese, Macanese and members of other communities came together with a remarkable spirit of dedication, commitment and shared purpose.
More than simply supporting a sporting event, these volunteers felt that they were contributing to a collective project representing Macau before the world.
The Legacy of Social Cohesion
This human involvement was perhaps one of the most beautiful legacies of the Lusofonia Games. During those days, the city’s cultural diversity became a genuine force for social cohesion. People from different backgrounds worked side by side, shared responsibilities, built friendships and demonstrated that Macau possesses a rare capacity for harmonious coexistence among cultures.
Perhaps this was one of the greatest legacies of the Games: showing that diversity, when experienced through participation and mutual respect, does not divide; it strengthens. And Macau demonstrated this in an exemplary manner.
Macau’s Multicultural Identity
As a Macanese, I have always felt that Macau’s true wealth lies precisely in its multicultural identity. Macau belongs neither solely to the East nor to the West. It belongs to the meeting point between both. Perhaps that is why it continues to have a unique vocation for building bridges in an increasingly fragmented world.
Leo: A Symbol of Macau
Even today, I remember the symbolism of the mascot “Leo”, inspired by the Chinese zodiac sign of the Dog. The name had a similar pronunciation in Portuguese and Mandarin and, in Cantonese, resembled an expression welcoming people to Macau. It was a small detail, yet one that revealed the very soul of the city: different cultures finding natural ways to communicate and understand one another.
Twenty Years Later
Twenty years later, the world has changed profoundly. We live in times marked by geopolitical tensions, international mistrust and new divisions. Perhaps for this reason, the values represented by the Lusofonia Games are even more relevant today.
I continue to believe that sport can play a decisive role in bringing peoples closer together, particularly among younger generations. Cultural, linguistic and sporting exchanges remain among the most effective ways of promoting friendship, sharing experiences and creating opportunities for the future.
Macau can still lead this path.
The Lusophone world remains relevant.
Sport remains universal.
And young people continue to need new bridges.
*Independent Sports Analyst and Regional Development Consultant
(Former public sports administrator with international experience and a longstanding commitment to public policy and sports development)
