http://maigoc2007.sports.sina.com.cn 2006-04-21 MAIGOC
The Macau East Asian Games Dome Ice Rink was officially opened yesterday (April 21). Over a thousand people were attracted by the synchronized skating performances, which was impressive and exciting. Some eager audience rushed to take the lead to have a taste of the world-class ice rink right after the ceremony.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the hosting guests first marked the opening of the ice rink. Then, accompanied by Chairman of Macau 2nd Asian Indoor Games Organising Committee (MAIGOC), Manuel Silvério, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture and representative of Chief Executive of Macau S.A.R. Government, performed the lighting ceremony. Addressing the ceremony, Manuel Silvério noted that management of the Macau Dome has been smoothly transited from the past Macau 4th East Asian Games Organising Committee to present MAIGOC. The ice rink has substantially enhanced the implementation of government policy in encouraging more people to participate in recreational activities. MAIGOC will offer favorable admission prices for both the local people and visitors of Macau. At the same time, MAIGOC will continue the effort to promote the venue into a function and leisure in one, in order to facilitate development in the surroundings and to attract more people to visit the place.
After the lighting ceremony, the spectators were fascinated by the beautiful show presented by the Tokyo Women’s College of Physical Education Synchronized Skating Club, whom received applause from every gorgeous movement throughout their performance and the performers were surrounded by their new fans for autographs. It was followed by the impressive and artistic performance from Macau Ice Sports Federation, which has well demonstrated the development of the Sport in Macau. At last, the atmosphere reached climax with the reappearance of the Tokyo Skating Club for a new dance on ice, which marked a cheerful ending of the Ceremony.
On the first day of the trial, people commonly say that the ice rink will be a good choice for leisure and recreation in consideration of its large ice surface area, which makes ice skating a comfortable sport to do, preferential prices and provision of free shuttle bus services.
Guests present at the inauguration ceremony included Deputy Commissioner of Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Huang Songfu; Deputy Director of Department of Publicity and Cultural Affairs of Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao S.A.R. Zhao Jungui; Chief of Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Tam Chon Weng; Coordinator of Infrastructure Development Office António JoséCastanheira Lourenço; Acting President of Macao Sports Development Board Vong Iao Lek; Acting Director of Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau Li Canfeng; President of Macau Olympic Committee Laam Wah Ying; President of Macau Ice Sports Federation General Assembly Chan Chak Mo; Deputy President of Chinese Ice Hockey Association Li Danping；President of Patine Corporation Akinori Ogiwara and Director and General Manager of H. Nolasco & Cia., Lta. Frederico Marques Nolasco da Silva.
The Macau Dome Ice Rink runs until August 31, from 11:00am – 10:00pm Mondays to Saturdays and 30 minutes earlier in the morning on Sundays. Admission charges MOP20.00 each. For public convenience, free shuttle bus traveling between the Macau Jockey Club and the Macau Dome will be available starting today, every 60 minutes from 11:00am – 6:00pm and every 30 minutes from 6:00pm – 10:30pm during weekdays, every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays.
Information on the Ice Rink facilities, admission charges, terms and conditions, opening hours and daily transportation arrangements will be available at 808-7000.
