A Roundup of SJM Resorts, S.A. ("SJM")’s “Take to the Skies Together” series as organised by the Macau Special Olympics cum Special Olympics Badminton Tournament was held on 16 November 2022 at Hall A of the Macau Workers Stadium. The event was supported by representatives from the Government of the MSAR Education and Youth Development Bureau, Social and Welfare Bureau and the Badminton Federation of Macau.

The SJM “Take to the Skies Together” Series was conceived to encourage the mentally handicapped and their families to participate in community activities and initiate opportunities for harmonious integration.  SJM volunteers enthusiastically took part to understand their conditions, needs and challenges, as well as sent love and care to promote mutual inclusion.  As part of the series, the Macau Special Olympics and SJM co-organized various large-scale social inclusion activities over the year, including: Explore Social Enterprise and Macau Science Centre, Visit to Macao Giant Panda Pavilion, PHAB fitness at home and Charity Sales of handicrafts made by the mentally handicapped.

SJM’s “Take to the Skies Together” series also comprises sports training and competitions to promote physical and emotional balance among the mentally handicapped, as well as to increase the awareness of PHAB in the community. The series incurred an operational cost of MOP199,800, which was fully sponsored by SJM. A ceremony was held earlier, with Ms Angela Leong, Director of SJM and Chairman of the Staff Welfare Consultative Committee, presenting a cheque to National Director of Macau Special Olympics, Mr. Hetzer Siu. Mr. Siu expressed profound gratitude towards SJM in his acceptance speech for its support and contribution towards elevating PHAB acknowledgement in society.

The finale event of the SJM “Take to the Skies Together” series, a “Special Olympic Badminton Competition” was also held on the same day comprising four tournaments - Technical Singles, Elite Singles, Special Olympic Singles and PHAB Doubles. Over 40 athletes took part in the events. The Badminton Federation of Macau set up a Badminton Experience Area at the venue to promote locals’ interest in badminton sports. Volunteers from SJM, Houkong Middle School, St Paul’s College and Special Olympic HI-T, assisted participants to compete in the tournaments.

SJM staff also participated in the PHAB Doubles Tournament and competed side-by-side with Special athletes in fulfillment of SJM’s support of the event and strengthened PHAB collaboration as well as corporate social responsibility.

SJM Director and Chairman of Staff Welfare Consultative Committee Ms Angela Leong expressed her full support towards these meaningful causes. “Our ’Take to the Skies Together’ Series aimed at encouraging talents to maximize their potentials, to set new goals and to pursue them with perseverance. Participants could learn from each other and enhance mutual understanding through closer interactions. I congratulate colleagues and Special Olympic members who came on top in today’s competitions. Through their teamwork, I saw mutual support, patience and respect. I hope that our series of PHAB events can elevate the community’s concern for the underprivileged, as well as inspire positive outlook among them.”