Torch Relay Lights up the City
The torch relay of the National Games lit up Macao with grandeur. MPU students and alumni Iao Chon In, Li Yi, Huang Junhua, Zhang Yangyang, and Lo Hip Meng served as torchbearers. Zhang Yangyang, Beijing Olympic gold medallist and PhD student in Physical Education and Sports Sciences, shared: "The moment the flame ignited, I felt the spirit of perseverance and the hopes of many. I will continue to pass on this love and strength through action." Cheering crowds and waving flags created an electrifying atmosphere. Witnessing the scene, Su Xiao Tong, Master's student in Sports and Physical Education, expressed deep inspiration as the spirit of determination spread across campus.
The excitement continued at the November 9 opening ceremony, where MPU members again took centre stage: Wong Weng Ian, gold medallist at the National Student Games, proudly led Macao's delegation as flag bearer; Fong Man Hou, Macao's first-ever gold medallist at the 15th National Games, served as a torchbearer; Li Yi, Macao's first female Asian Games gold medallist, joined representatives from Guangdong and Hong Kong to ignite the main cauldron, showcasing Macao's vibrant presence.
World Tai Chi champion and PhD student Iao Chon In solemnly delivered the coaches' oath, expressing gratitude to the nation for allowing Macao to participate in its highest-level, largest-scale sports event, as well as to the Macao SAR Government, the Wushu General Association of Macau, and MPU for their long-standing trust and training. He further pledged to uphold professionalism and passion to pass on traditional culture, nurturing well-rounded talent to contribute to building a strong sporting nation.
Fong Man Hou (left), Macao's first-ever gold medallist at the 15th National Games (in Men's Karate Team Kata), and MPU student in Physical Education, serves as a torchbearer at the opening ceremony (Source: Sports Bureau)
Student Achievements Shine for Macao
MPU athletes showcased exceptional talent across numerous events, representing Macao in wushu, sanda, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, football, handball, badminton, table tennis, dragon boat, canoeing, athletics, swimming, triathlon, and dragon and lion dance. Bachelor's student Fong Man Hou led his karate team to gold in the men's team kata with a score of 42.7, earning Macao's first gold medal of the Games and exemplifying resilience and determination.
In the dragon and lion dance competitions, Nursing student Wong Chak Weng and Physical Education student Yu Lok Kei claimed second place in the Southern Lion obstacle event and third in the Dragon Dance obstacle event. Yu remarked: "This medal reflects countless days of hard training and gives athletes the strength to keep pushing forward." Wong expressed gratitude for the university's support and teamwork, highlighting the spirit of perseverance that defines MPU athletes.
Student Fong Man Hou (far right) and teammates secure Macao's first gold medal at the National Games
Student Wong Chak Weng (far right) secures second place in Southern Lion Dance at National Games
Student U Lok Kei (sixth from the left) achieves third place in Dragon Dance at National Games
Volunteers Power a National Sports Spectacle
Behind the scenes, nearly 300 faculty and students from MPU enthusiastically supported the Games as volunteers, demonstrating dedication and professionalism. They assisted in karate and volleyball events and served in roles such as placard bearers, competition teams, logistics, venue guidance, anti-doping checks, marketing and ticketing, sports presentation, IT support, and guest services, meticulously completing every task.
To ensure smooth operations, volunteers began training six months in advance, learning service protocols, Macao culture, and event procedures, and participating in test runs. Before the Games, they attended the Macao volunteer pledge ceremony, committing to serve with professionalism and warm smiles to showcase Macao's spirit. Ng San Fan, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, encouraged full engagement, noting this as a rare opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in sports competition, event organisation, and coordination.
MPU faculty and student enthusiastically support the Games as volunteers
From Classroom to Competition Venues
MPU students stepped beyond the classroom to take on technical and coaching roles at the 15th National Games. Physical Education student Ieong Un Cheng served as a technical official for the first time at a national-level event, handling competition data. She shared, "This experience taught me professional communication and quick problem-solving, giving me valuable skills and a leap in personal growth."
Master's student Lam Man Chong worked as strength coach for Macao's U18 men's basketball team, supporting the squad from training to competition. The team defeated Hunan in the ranking match, marking Macao's first-ever basketball victory at the National Games. Lam reflected,"I learned to communicate under pressure, identify solutions, and never give up, a true Macao team spirit."
Volunteer mentor Kuan Chi Hou highlighted the journey from recruitment and training to live event support, praising students for embodying responsibility and dedication. He emphasised that volunteering offers students hands-on experience in event operations, broadens perspectives, and strengthens adaptability, bringing whole-person education to life.
Macao Wushu (Routine) athlete, gold medallist of the Women's Optional Qiangshu (University Division) at the 1st Student (Youth) Games of the People's Republic of China, and MPU student of Bachelor of Physical Education, Wong Weng Ian, serves as the flag bearer of the Macao delegation (Source: CCTV5, Macau Sports Weekly)
