#Community Impact #Macao #Sands Cares #NBA Cares

NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week: A Resounding Success

The grand finale of the NBA China Games 2025 showcased not only thrilling basketball but also the culmination of a meaningful initiative, the "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week." Running from October 8 to 12, this initiative gathered over 2,200 volunteers and locals in Macao to engage in a series of enriching community events. The event served as a powerful platform for fostering compassion and unity through basketball and community involvement.

From basketball clinics to community service, this week-long series aimed to bring diverse communities together and promote goodwill. Among the notable activities were a youth basketball exchange at Lou Hau High School and an engaging community basketball carnival. The week was graced by several NBA Legends, including Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway, along with current players, who actively participated in mentoring and outreach activities.

Activities of the Impact Week

The first event of the week, conducted on October 8, was a youth basketball exchange featuring Mitch Richmond, who along with NBA coaches, trained 200 local students alongside 12 rural coaches and students from Guizhou and Inner Mongolia. This exchange not only emphasized skills training but also fostered a rich mentorship spirit. Richmond and Sands Cares’ Dr. Wilfred Wong made a direct contribution by providing basketballs and equipment to further enhance the school’s basketball program.

The official tip-off event took place on October 9 at The Venetian Arena, with prominent figures including NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Yao Ming in attendance. This event marked the launch of a basketball clinic that catered to over 60 participants from local schools, creating a vibrant atmosphere for skill development.

On October 10, the focus shifted to compassion when NBA Legend Tim Hardaway joined fellow volunteers to distribute boxed lunches to the underprivileged at the Fuhong Society of Macau’s Pou Choi Centre. This initiative saw the direct beneficiaries receiving not just food, but a sense of community support and compassion.

The highlight came on October 11 with a community basketball carnival, held in the NBA House at The Venetian, which attracted around 120 families from local social service organizations. Attendees enjoyed exhilarating sports-themed games and performances, embodying the joy and excitement of community engagement.

The final event, the "Her Time to Play" basketball clinic on October 12, left a significant impact as NBA legends, including Deron Williams and WNBA player Myisha Hines-Allen, directed training sessions aimed at encouraging young girls in basketball. Participants engaged in friendly competitions, marking a spirited end to the week.

Inspiration and Commitment to the Community

Patrick Dumont, the president and COO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., emphasized the company’s commitment to the Macao community, noting that service and social responsibility have been integral since Sands Macao’s inception in 2004. He highlighted the role of NBA Cares and Sands Cares as outstanding partners in this philanthropic endeavor.

Dr. Wong also echoed the sentiment of gratitude towards everyone involved in making the week a success. The collaboration demonstrated how impactful sports-driven philanthropy can be in fostering community relations and supporting those in need.

Additionally, Sands China has established the Sands Cares Ambassador Programme, which encourages team members to partake in volunteer initiatives, amplifying the positive effects in the community. Acknowledging the efforts of over 300 volunteers at the community impact week, Sands China intends to honor them with certificates of appreciation, further fostering a culture of giving back.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the "NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week" has not only entertained but significantly benefited the Macao community. By intertwining sports with philanthropy, the event has laid down a foundation for continued community support and engagement, reinforcing the importance of social responsibility among corporations and celebrities alike. Moving forward, Sands China is devoted to utilizing its resources to sustain its assistance to the Macao community, ensuring that the spirit of compassion and support remains strong.