Macao to host star-studded soccer friendly

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Macao-based SJM Resorts has announced the organization of a five-a-side soccer friendly. The event, scheduled on May 19, will showcase Portuguese soccer legends against the GBA Flying Dragon Team. Co-organized by the Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR and supported by the Macao soccer association, tickets for the friendly match are now available for purchase.

The lineup of Portuguese soccer stars set to grace the friendly match includes Luis Figo, Pedro Miguel Pauleta, Nuno Gomes, Manuel Dimas, Nuno Ricardo de Oliveira Ribeiro (Maniche), José Bosingwa da Silva, Tiago Cardoso Mendes, Helder Postiga, and Ricardo Quaresma. They will be pitted against the GBA Flying Dragon Team, composed of soccer veterans from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and members of the Hong Kong celebrity soccer team.

During a press conference at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort in Macao on Monday, Pun Weng Kun, president of the Macao Sports Bureau, emphasized the role of Macao as a bridge for Sino-Portuguese cooperation. He highlighted the significance of sporting exchanges in strengthening ties between Macao, the Greater Bay Area, and Portugal. Pun expressed optimism that the forthcoming event would enhance sporting connections and exchanges between Macao, the Greater Bay Area, and Portugal, fostering economic growth in sports tourism and related industries.

As the eagerly awaited match approaches, SJM Resorts will host a variety of events from May 1 to 7 and May 11 to 12, offering a range of activities for all attendees. The festivities will include soccer games, exclusive merchandise stalls, and soccer-themed photo spots, with participants standing a chance to win exciting match tickets. The mascot of SJM Resorts, Sam the Rooster, will be transformed into a soccer referee, making appearances to take photos with visitors, seeking to involve the community in the soccer event and create a festive atmosphere.

Throughout the event, SJM Resorts will also organize fan meet-ups, open-top bus tours around Macao, and youth soccer training sessions, encouraging the entire city to embrace the soccer fever. Hotels and resorts under SJM Resorts will introduce accommodation packages, limited-edition memorabilia and themed dining options to complement the grand event.