Macau IC2 Association and Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau jointly held the World Earth Day for the fourth consecutive year at the Nape hotel’s premises on Sunday, with the theme of “Planet vs. Plastic” in a bid to highlight the impact of using disposable plastic utensils and similar tools on the planet.
Earth Day is celebrated every 22 April in celebration and promotion of environmental protection.
Established in August 2016, the Macau I Can Too (IC2) Association is Macau’s only government-registered non-profit organisation operated by people on the spectrum or with other mental disabilities, which believes in inclusiveness and empowering people to have their voices heard and needs fulfilled.
World Earth Day is the association’s annual project that particularly celebrates earth protection and sustainability, a belief and concept also shared by Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau, according to a press release from the hotel.
This year’s World Earth Day commenced, as usual, with a Green Walk to the hotel’s premises. The rest of the activities were initially planned to be held at the hotel’s outdoor lawn but had to be moved inside the hotel due to bad weather.
The activities included a pickleball game demonstration staged to promote wellness and sports for all, a fashion show featuring repurposed waste transformed into attire, a choir by the association’s students complete with sign-language translations of the lyrics, a simulated symbolic tree planting, as well as some booths offering games and healthy and eco-friendly food.
In addition, a brief yet informative environmental talk on the theme was held to raise the awareness of how plastic can harm the planet.
“I would like to thank all the companions in the past four years for having faith in our ability to lead and organise such a major event, following [the association’s] event management courses,” said Macau IC2 President Antonio Luis Leong.
He added, “From four years ago … we have remained the only rehabilitation organisation dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly mentality.”
Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau General Manager Rutger Verschuren, who is also Area Vice President, Macau Operations of Artyzen Hospitality Group, said: “Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau is thrilled to be a key organiser and stakeholder in the event, helping to disseminate the message of environmental protection and the lifestyle of eco-friendliness.”
He also said, “Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau and Artyzen Hospitality Group will continue to promote sustainable practices in the hospitality industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Attended by over 200 people, Sunday’s World Earth Day was supported by Macau Dragon Voyage Sport Association, Shenmo Star River Public Welfare Alliance, Concordia School for Special Education and The Society of Food and Environmental Health (Macao), among others.
Murni Denize, whose autistic son is one of Macau IC2 members also participating in this year’s World Earth Day, told Good News Macau, “This event teaches these special children that some used things can be reused or recycled.”
She also said: “It’s good to be a member of IC2. It helps us realise that we’re not alone. There are others who support us [parents with children on the spectrum]. And we can easily get information about government support and facilities that we can have. We can share about our children’s condition and development with other parents.” (Gilbert Humphrey)
Photos: Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau
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