NBA and Sands China unite for community impact in Macao

NBA Cares and Sands China have launched the NBA Cares x Sands Cares Community Impact Week 2026, kicking off with a Tip-Off Day at The Venetian Arena in Macao. The event, held ahead of The NBA China Games 2026, brought together current players from the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, NBA legends, and local youth to foster community engagement and inspire positive growth. The initiative saw around 400 participants, including local school basketball teams, engage in activities such as a basketball clinic and personal sharing sessions. Mavericks and Rockets players mentored students from championship teams of the Macao Inter-School Basketball Competition, sharing insights from their professional careers. Yao Ming and Shawn Marion, both NBA legends, also attended, further inspiring the youth with their stories. Patrick Dumont, CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp, emphasised the broader significance of international sporting events, stating, "Their lasting significance lies in their ability to contribute to social progress and the development of the city." NBA Commissioner Adam Silver added, "Basketball teaches teamwork, respect, and discipline... My message to all of you is to dream big." The event also included assembling goodie bags for the community, with items like commemorative water bottles and sports wristbands. The Impact Week, running from 7 to 11 October, features activities focused on youth development and community inclusion, aiming to extend the positive energy of the NBA event throughout Macao. Tomorrow's activities include a School Day at Yuet Wah College, where NBA legends will engage with students through basketball training. This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here .