Chui Sai On, Edmund Ho, Sheldon Adelson and Miriam Adelson officiate celebratory moment
Having opened its doors for the first time on May 18, 2004, Sands® Macao celebrated its momentous 10th anniversary Friday with a series of spectacular events.
Anniversary Ceremony and Gala Dinner
The evening saw Chief Executive of the Macao S.A.R. Fernando Chui Sai On, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Edmund Ho Hau Wah, and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp. Sheldon Adelson and Dr. Miriam Adelson officiate a ceremony at the Sands Theatre to light up a Sands Macao 1th Anniversary Sand Sculpture located outside at the resort’s fountain area with beautiful illumination, climaxing in a fantastic display of pyrotechnics above Sands Macao, displayed via live feed on the Sands Theatre LED screen.
The ceremony’s enormous sand sculpture was created by Team Sandtastic – a world-champion and Guinness World Record-winning group of talented artists who have worked together to create the first sand sculpture of its kind in Macao and the only sand replica of a Sands building anywhere in the world.
“Beyond celebrating 10 years since we opened our first property in Macao, we also celebrate the incredible pace of growth we’ve all seen over these past 10 years,†said Tracy. “Sands China has grown tremendously of course, but even more significant is the growth of Macao into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Our company will continue to leverage its integrated resort business model to help bring the best of the best to Macao, including the world’s biggest names in sports, film, music and more.â€
A gala dinner attended by government officials, business associates, community partners and academic professionals followed, featuring a headline performance by singer Sandy Lam, and emceed by Macao’s very own home-grown celebrity, Maria Cordero – a fitting choice for many reasons, including the fact that she was the very emcee who presided over the opening ceremony of Sands Macao in 2004. She was joined on stage during the gala dinner by Hong Kong television host Philip Chan and a delightful young local boy of only 10-years-old as co-emcee – an appropriate touch to Sands Macao’s celebration of its first decade in Macao. The evening also included a performance of “10 Golden Tutus†by 10 of Macao’s talented 10-year-old ballerinas from Regina Dance Group, and award-winning local dance troupe that has performed at high-profile events like the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Appreciation for Founding Team Members
Friday afternoon at The Venetian® Macao, a select group of team members met with Tracy, who delivered his thanks to a gathered audience of 188 team members who have been with the company since March 3, 2004, or earlier, and were on the opening team of Sands Macao; many of them have since moved up to managerial and executive leadership positions. More than half of the approximately 4,000 Sands Macao founders who joined the company in April 2004 continue to work at Sands China today, and will be recognised at a founder celebration party scheduled to be held in June.
Appreciation Lunches for Media and Team Members
Earlier in the day, members of the local, regional and international press enjoyed a media appreciation lunch at the Sands Macao Ballroom, also emceed by Cordero, and attended by Mr. and Dr. Adelson. Mr. Adelson spoke to those in attendance, which also included team members and company executives, thanking them for their support. Tracy addressed the audience as well, noting the important service performed by the press in keeping the public informed about the many developments in business, leisure and entertainment that have occurred over the last 10 years. Entertainment included performances by Soul Mystique, the world’s only quick change/professional dancing combo act, and one of the fastest painters in the world – the gifted Brad Blaze, who entertained his audience with a glittering and golden speed painting performance that demonstrated his incredible combination of artistry and speed.
Sands Macao team members enjoyed a cheerful celebration at lunchtime Friday at the resort’s heart-of-house staff area. Tracy and other company executives presided over the festivities, which included a cake cutting, live entertainment and a quiz game featuring cash prizes for the lucky contestants. Several times throughout the week, a game booth at Sands Macao, The Venetian Macao and Sands® Cotai Central also gave team members a chance to win prizes by spinning a wheel of fortune.
Opened in 2004, Sands® Macao is a world class hotel and entertainment complex with 289 luxury suites. Its stunning gold glass exterior houses a wide range of diversions including specialty restaurants, a heated outdoor swimming pool, deluxe spa and salon, conference and banquet facilities and unrivalled gaming excitement and live entertainment. It is also home to the Paiza Club: an invitation-only international VIP club with 51 premium suites with size, opulence and grandeur that rivals the best the world has to offer. As the first gaming complex in Macao owned and operated by an international operator, Sands Macao quickly set the benchmark for future developments in Macao.
