Experiential activities with Macau Deaf Association

(Macao, June 21, 2017) – A total of around 100 Sands China Care Ambassadors learned about the deaf and the hard of hearing Friday and Saturday, at events jointly organized by Sands China Ltd. and the Macau Deaf Association (MDA) at The Venetian^® Macao and at the MDA Service Centre for the Deaf.

Together, they discussed the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Established in 2006 by the U.N. General Assembly, the convention entered into force in China, including in the Macao SAR, in 2008. It aims to “promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.”

The Care Ambassadors learned about the Macao SAR government’s definition of disability, and of its different levels. They were also introduced to the ways the Macao government and community provide assistance and services to the deaf and the hard of hearing, such as by building barrier-free environments and providing priority service at government service offices like public utilities.

The Care Ambassadors also got a lesson on the science of how hearing works, the indicators of hearing loss, and how to protect their own hearing. They also learned about the uniqueness of Macao Sign Language, and learned how to sign some of Macao’s famous cultural heritage sites, like Templo de A-Má and the Ruins of St. Paul’s.

The activities aimed to enrich the Care Ambassadors’ experiences and enhance their understanding of people with disabilities, helping them better understand the community’s needs and the services available.

“One way I benefited from this experience was learning about how hearing loss can affect us over time as we age,” said one of the Care Ambassadors who participated. “Now I better understand the importance of protecting my hearing, especially as I get older.”

Nerissa Lau, director of the Macau Deaf Association, said: “The Sands China Care Ambassadors have really shown an ongoing interest in working with MDA, and it’s wonderful that they continue to support our efforts toward social inclusion and understanding for Macao’s deaf and hard of hearing community.”

The Care Ambassadors’ previous events with MDA have included silent afternoon teas and sign language workshops – activities designed to enhance their understanding of the barriers caused by hearing loss, increase their knowledge of deafness, and learn about communication with the hard of hearing.

Sands China’s efforts in the local community, including the Sands China Care Ambassador programme, are part of Sands Cares, the corporate giving programme of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sands Cares integrates the company’s philanthropic work worldwide, including financial giving, team member volunteerism and in-kind support. The Sands Cares programme seeks to make an impact on its team members and those working in the hospitality industry, the communities where the company operates, and the planet.

The Sands China Care Ambassador programme aims to give Sands China employees an opportunity to serve the local community by organising community activities and initiatives that work toward creating a better Macao. With a current membership of more than 1,500 volunteers from across all Sands China properties – Sands^® Macao, The Venetian Macao, The Plaza™ Macao, Sands^® Cotai Central and The Parisian Macao – the Sands China Care Ambassadors have contributed more than 10,000 hours of voluntary community service in over 100 activities since the programme was founded in August 2009. Sands China Ltd. considers the activities of the Care Ambassador programme as central to its commitment toward social causes and community involvement as part of the Sands Cares programme.

Sands China Care Ambassadors learn about the hard of hearing Saturday, at an event jointly organized by Sands China Ltd. and the Macau Deaf Association (MDA) at the MDA Service Centre for the Deaf.

About Sands China Ltd.

Sands China Ltd. (HKEx: 1928, Sands China or the Company) is a Cayman Islands registered company and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio is comprised of The Venetian^® Macao, The Plaza™ Macao, Sands^® Cotai Central and The Parisian Macao. The Company also owns and operates Sands^® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s integrated resorts contain a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at the Cotai Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre and the upcoming Sands Cotai Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.

 

Media contacts:

Corporate Communications, Venetian Macau Limited

Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo

Ester Leong
Tel: +853 8118 2105
Email: ester.leong@sands.com.mo