Magnificent Macau revealed to Westlake Girls basketball team
Competing at the 2024 ISF World Schools Basketball Championship and experiencing the rich heritage of Macau was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience for the Westlake Girls High School basketball team writes the school's director of sports, April Ieremia. The team were supported to include cultural elements to their itinerary by a grant from the Foundation's Student Sport Fund.
The team came in third at the tournament after beating Hong Kong in the semi-finals
When we first arrived in Macau, we crossed the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge—the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. This remarkable structure, a combination of bridges and tunnels, spans the Pearl River Delta and seamlessly connects Macau and Hong Kong. With its soaring bridge sections arching above the water and tunnels diving below the waves, it’s an extraordinary feat of modern engineering and a breathtaking sight to experience.
For the 12 days we were in Macau, the Westlake girls were accommodated at the University of Macau, a state-of-the-art institution on Hengqin Island.
The campus features modern facilities and numerous green spaces. While the team’s daily routine focussed on morning trainings followed by games and then taking some time out to shelter from the 32-degree heat, we still found time to explore Macau – a place where East meets West through its blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage.
For the 12 days they were in Macau, the team stayed at Macau University
We started our cultural journey at the Our Lady of Carmel Church, a historical and architectural gem dating back to the 16th century.
Located in the hustle and bustle of Macau, it is the central worshiping place for Catholics and features a bell tower that adds to the church’s silhouette and charm.
On our way to visit the church, the team lost themselves in the stunning Lotus Garden.
Also known as “Jardim de Lotus,” it is a tranquil public park renowned for its picturesque lotus ponds, manicured lawns and peaceful atmosphere.
The garden, a breathtaking oasis of vibrant colours, captivated the team with its thousands of blooming lotuses.
April: "The garden, a breathtaking oasis of vibrant colours, captivated the team with its thousands of blooming lotuses."
The lotus flower symbolises purity and beauty, but its depth of meaning in Chinese culture is highlighted in the saying, ‘The lotus is a flower that blooms in the mud, the deeper the mud, the brighter the bloom.’
The best-known landmark in Macau is the ruin of St Paul’s, the iconic façade of a 16th century church that was once one of the largest in Asia. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site and a striking and majestic presence.
Eager to see ancient Macau, we headed back to the heart of the city, where in the hum of modernity, stands the oldest and most revered building, A Ma Temple.
Dedicated to Mazu, the revered goddess of seafarers, this ancient sanctuary whispers tales of the sea and sky, of winds and waves guided by divine grace.
Covered in elaborate carvings and images, and blessed with a serene atmosphere, A-Ma reflects the deep-rooted Chinese traditions that shape and inspire Macau as a whole.
April: A Ma Temple "whispers tales of the sea and sky, of winds and waves guided by divine grace."
We explored the various levels of the sanctuary as incense drifted all around us.
Some of the students wrote “wishes” and hung them on the tree while other team members just sat in still contemplation.
A-Ma Temple is not only an ancient monument of stone but a living testament to the enduring spirit where past and present converge.
We collected our thoughts near the ice-cream vendors just outside the temple while admiring the Portuguese architecture neighbouring the sacred place of worship.
Macau’s Portuguese heritage is on full display at Senado Square, a lively and beautiful public square surrounded by colourful colonial buildings. Its cobbled streets and charming architecture offer a glimpse into Macau's past.
Each of these incredible sights ensured that we fell more in love with Macau, and as a result this trip will always hold a very special place in our hearts.
Representing New Zealand for the first time internationally, Westlake Girls faced the best in the world and went beyond all expectations to finish in third at the event.
The team posing for an official photo with their bronze medals
Winning six out of seven matches, the team’s only stumbling block was against France who they faced in semi-final, but their final game against Hong Kong handed the Kiwis the bronze medal.
The success on court was only matched by the wonder and magnificence of Macau.
The friendships that we made and the places that we experienced has turned this “once in a lifetime opportunity into the “trip of a lifetime”.
Some quotes from the team:
Brydie McMillan:
“I really enjoyed immersing myself into the culture of Macau, especially visiting the Pandas and A Ma Temple. It was also amazing trying the food and seeing a different way of living”.
Lucy Taylor:
“Seeing all the awesome things Macau has to offer like the temple, longest bridge in the world, delicious food and the towering buildings all around us was amazing. I am so grateful for this opportunity.”
Emma-Kaye Schroeder:
“The culture and bonding was truly special. Meeting new people from around the world and making great memories was so incredible. I enjoyed every minute.”
Elin Vincent:
It is hard to describe all the amazing interactions, successes and events we enjoyed collectively as a team. It was truly memorable”.
Lily Fotu:
“I have many great memories from my trip to Macau and will cherish it forever”.
The Foundation's Sports Programme provides New Zealand sportspeople opportunities to grow more knowledgeable, connected and confident with Asia.
The Student Sports Fund provides grants for secondary and tertiary students travelling to Asia for sports to include cultural activities to their itineraries.
