MACAU, Nov. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The sixth "MGM Lion Dance Championship -- Macau International Invitational" came to conclusion in a glorious ceremony at MGM MACAU's Grande Praca. Yi Wei Athletic Association from Singapore took home the champion title of "Male Lion Dance Championship", while Wushu Federation from Philippines won in Macau's first "Female Lion Dance Championship".
The "MGM Lion Dance Championship -- Macau International Invitational" was first launched in 2010 by MGM as a way to promote this significant piece of Chinese culture into an internationally recognized sport, while passing on the heritage to younger generation and wider audience. In 2011, MGM began a new tradition by hosting the world's first "Female Lion Dance Performance Competition", which is upgraded to the "Female Lion Dance Championship" with international rating system this year. Last year, MGM rolled out Macau's first-ever Junior Lion Dance Program, an annual summer training opportunity for youngsters aged 5 to 10 to learn the fundamentals of this traditional sport; accumulatively, over 110 graduates have completed this program in August 2016, and have performed at public events including government-hosted festivities.
The "MGM Lion Dance Championship 2016" saw 23 elite lion dance troupes from 10 countries and regions strive for the top titles. In the male category, Yi Wei Athletic Association from Singapore bested the other 14 teams by a score of 9.19; Chinese Shenzhen City Fuyong Street Huaide Lion Dance Group from China and Persekutuan Tarian Naga & Singa Malaysia Team B -- Kuantan Builder's Association Lion & Dragon Dance Group from Malaysia finished as the First and Second Runners-up with scores of 9.18 and 9.13 respectively. In the female category, Wushu Federation from Philippines won the Championship by a score of 8.90, while Associacao Desportiva e Recreativa Hong Wai from Macau and Persekutuan Tarian Naga & Singa Malaysia Team B -- Kuantan Builder's Association Lion & Dragon Dance Group from Malaysia finished second and third with scores of 8.83 and 8.76 respectively among.
Guests of Honor in attendance at the Award Presentation Ceremony were Mr. Kou Ming, Deputy Director-General of Economic Affairs Department of Liaison Office of the Central People's government in the Macao SAR; Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr. Wu Iao Ut, Head of Sports Associations and Support Division of Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR; Mr. Chan Weng Kit, President of Wushu General Association of Macau and Chairman of Dragon & Lion Dance Federation of Asia; Mr. Chao Chi Man, Honorary Chairman of the Organizing Committee of MGM Lion Dance Championship, and Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, who presented trophies to and congratulated the winning teams to mark the successful conclusion of the two-day event.
Mr. Grant Bowie expressed his gratitude towards all related parties for their continued support and contributions to make this event once again a huge success. "Chinese culture is an integral part of what makes Macau a unique destination that it is. We are honored to have the support from the government and our partners to pass bring this significant cultural sport to the world, while sparking interest in the younger generation. This is a sport that requires trust among team members, builds courage and integrity, which are qualities we would like to foster among the youth in our community. As we continue to develop diversified offerings, we hope the MGM Lion Dance Championship will become one of Macau's staple annual events that brings the world to our city."
MGM Lion Dance Championship -- Macau International Invitational 2016
Results of "Male Lion Dance Championship"
| Team |
Ranking |
Score |
| Yi Wei Athletic Association from Singapore |
Champion |
9.19 |
| Chinese Shenzhen City Fuyong Street Huaide Lion Dance Group from China |
1st Runner-up |
9.18 |
| Persekutuan Tarian Naga & Singa Malaysia Team B -- Kuantan Builder's Association Lion & Dragon Dance Group from Malaysia |
2nd Runner-up |
9.13 |
Results of "Female Traditional Lion Dance Championship"
| Team |
Ranking |
Score |
| Wushu Federation from Philippines |
Champion |
8.90 |
| Associacao Desportiva e Recreativa Hong Wai from Macau |
1st Runner-up |
8.83 |
| Persekutuan Tarian Naga & Singa Malaysia Team B -- Kuantan Builder's Association Lion & Dragon Dance Group from Malaysia |
2nd Runner-up |
8.76 |
About MGM MACAU
MGM MACAU is a Forbes Five-Star luxury integrated resort inspired by the arts with every element of the resort infused with creativity and style. MGM MACAU has approximately 600 guest rooms and suites and boasts a number of distinguishing features, including the architecturally stunning European-inspired Grande Praca, housed under a soaring glass ceiling. MGM MACAU's world class facilities include the MGM Art Space dedicating over 5,000 square feet to display authentic works of art, conference and event facilities, spa, and seven signature restaurants and bars to fulfill any gastronomic craving. Our property is conveniently located on prime waterfront on the Macau Peninsula and is directly connected to the luxury retail shopping complex, One Central.
For more information on MGM MACAU please visit: www.mgm.mo.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Irene Wong
Vice President of Public & Community Relations
MGM
Tel: (853) 8802 2822
Email: irenewong@mgm.mo
Karen Lam
Public Relations Manager
Tel: (853) 8802 3801
MGM
Email: karenlam@mgm.mo
Juliana Kung
Public Relations Manager
MGM
Tel: (853) 8802 3803
Email: julianakung@mgm.mo
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161114/8521607399-a
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161114/8521607399-b
Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161114/8521607399-c
