With Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (“SJM”) as the title sponsor, the SJM Cup – 8^th Macau International Wushu Festival and Macau International Martial Arts Competition took place from 23 to 26 July 2019 at the Multisport Pavilion of Macao Polytechnic Institute, in celebration of the 70^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 20^th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau SAR. The event welcomed over 2,000 athletes, coaches and managers from 11 countries and regions, competing in various championships adjudicated by about 100 local and overseas guest referees.

Dr. Ambrose So, Chairman of Macau Chinese National Traditional Sports Association cum Chairman of the Organising Committee of the 8^th Macau International Wushu Festival remarked in his speech at the opening ceremony, “The Macau International Wushu Festival is one of the biggest wushu events in Macau and even the world. The art, discipline and skill shown in the contests are the keys to passing on the spirit and essentials of our traditional culture of wushu while promoting its enormous vitality and appeal to the world.” He continued, “Through this traditional art form, we demonstrate the unceasing efforts of the Chinese nation for innovation and improvements, as well as the wisdom and power in sports. Now in its eighth edition, the Macau International Wushu Festival has established itself a top-level wushu arena, strengthening exchange and cooperation among the Chinese and overseas communities. The far-reaching significance and influence of the Festival are carried forward through a series of competitions and forums, with aims to encourage international wushu exchanges, enhance friendships and skills, advocate wushu morality and popularise the sport and culture of wushu. Participants can also experience the cultural charm of Macau as a base for exchange and cooperation where Chinese culture is the mainstream and diverse cultures coexist.”

In addition to wushu competitions such as Wushu Taolu, Wushu Sanda, Jeet Kune Do, Short Weapon Fighting, Health Qigong and Taekwondo, the event also comprised a series of activities including forums and discussions attended by wushu masters from around the world. A mobile photography contest for secondary school students was also being held.