Once a year, we gather to recognize those who have truly made their mark on the city’s sports scene: from the home-run hitters and KO punchers to those who lift up their mates when all seems lost. They’re our friends, our family and, occasionally, our blood-thirsty rivals.
This year, the F45 & That’s Shanghai Sports Awards will take place at The Camel on February 8, with people's choice voting opening January 11.
After the last couple of years' fundraising heroics, we will be also recognizing the sports team that raises the most money for charity over the course of the awards. Oh, and there will be a raffle fundraiser on the night, with all money raised going to the Baobei Foundation.
And now, without further ado, here are the nominations for Team of the Year:
East China University of Technology (ECUT) - Gaelic
Shanghai Gaelic’s outreach program extends to Nanchang University where a group of lads got involved with Shanghai’s very own Jack Meng to start a Gaelic football team. For the last two years Shanghai has supported Nanchang with coaches traveling four hours to help set up training sessions, which helped with basic skills and tactics, but last year the lads took things much further by entering a team into the Asian Gaelic Games where they reached the semi-final of the junior plate. In 2017 they entered the All China Games in Beijing and reached the final of the plate beating some very experienced and seasoned teams along the way. Three representatives were selected to play in the Shanghai B team at the Asian Gaelic Games in Bangkok in November 2017 and were instrumental in helping the team win their section of the completion.
Pink Dragons - Rugby
The Shanghai Pink Dragons are going from strength to strength. These successful women are changing the profile of women’s rugby in China. A Pink Dragon represents sportsmanship, absolute dedication, is fearless and ready to give it all for her team. The number of players regularly playing and training has more than doubled. The Pink Dragons are proud to be introducing many new expats and Chinese ladies to the game and reigniting the love of rugby for those experienced players in the city. The camaraderie and togetherness shines through both on and off the pitch. The dedication, commitment and passion, from all members has helped to develop and establish the Pink Dragons as one of the city’s most exciting teams.
Sea Dragons - Water Polo
The Shanghai Sea Dragons International Water Polo Club has been in existence for over ten years and comprises over twenty nationalities with experience ranging from beginners to former Olympians. They play both regulation and “beach” formats in tournaments hosted in Shanghai, as well as regional competitions with international teams. Given their diverse backgrounds they have strong relationships with numerous international federations, including Olympic teams, some players of which have competed with them. Participation is driven by both passion for the sport and the spirit of competition, further enhanced by the camaraderie it creates. They also conduct junior clinics to encourage youth to the sport.
Shanghai Elite Triathlon Club (SETC) - Triathlon
Established in 2016 currently has 120 members from 20 different countries. By 2017, SETC had already achieved 1st place ranking in the IRONMAN Global TriClub in Asia and China (Group V). SETC is led by a team of five passionate athletes who are responsible for its club culture; racing is not the aim, rather, having fun by doing sports to create a great club spirit. The team is committed to the promotion and development of triathlon in China in a healthy way. In 2018 the team will start youth and family triathlons in Shanghai.
Shanghai Azures - Underwater Hockey
It has been another full year of milestones for China underwater hockey! The Shanghai Azures co-organised the third China Cup at Hangzhou, sending a battalion of four teams of 40 players who nabbed the bronze medal for Shanghai. The Azures also organized the second Rookie Cup at Changchun, with our own rookies earning the shiny silver title. With one female and three male players on the China national team, they flicked through all odds to win bronze at the Seventh Asian Underwater Hockey Championship – a national achievement, despite being the youngest country participating. May the Azures continue to inspire and share the love of underwater hockey!
Shanghai Dolphins - Rugby
It is said that Shanghai translated literally means “On the ocean”, well in the ocean, the mighty ocean, the dolphin swims tonight. Yes in the ocean, the mighty ocean the dolphin swims tonight.
Silver Dragons - Rugby
A team that has continued to strengthen their grip on Chinese expat rugby. Be it sevens, tens or fifteens, the Silver Dragons have excelled and showed they are playing the best amateur rugby in China. They were undefeated champions in the Sino 15s and Xiamen 10s tournament. Champions of the Sino 10s Eastern league and brave runners up in the national 10’s final tournament. The Silver Dragons have also continued their dominance in the Yellow Sea Cup with a crushing 98-0 win over Seoul and a dominant 25 point victory over their main rivals, the Beijing Devils. Their determination and work ethic is amazing; they have taken a ‘strange foreign sport’ and excelled at it.
Stepdads - Softball
Bringing together the best softball players in the Shanghai Softball League and around the globe, The Stepdads International Squad won the party, and then won tournaments this year, taking Saigon and Pattaya International Tournaments in a fashion never seen before in Asian Softball. The combined scores of the two championship games were 68-9. Utter. Dominance.
SWIFC - Football
Entering their second year, the Shanghai Women’s International Football Club has grown from a small group of women practicing weekly to a developed team of over 100 frequently competing against ranked Chinese women’s clubs and men’s teams, has participated in the televised People’s Digital Cup and brought home the cup in their first national tournament in Xiamen - and paying for all their expenses to practice, play and travel. With over 15 nationalities represented, this club is not only developing better skills and strong friendships, but they are also paving the way for women’s sport in China.
Warzone - Martial Arts
Warzone is a tight-knit group of martial arts enthusiasts, which started a little over a year ago when a small group of friends decided to rent a small space to practice Brazilian jiu-jitsu. More and more people joined their trainings, and it has now become a family of more than 150 brothers and sisters. While Brazilian jiu-jitsu remains the main focus, boxing, Muay Thai and wrestling have been added to the mix with students actively competing in all disciplines. The small space began to burst out of its seams pushing Warzone to merge with the famous Australian Absolute MMA this month. Staying true to its humble beginnings, however, their students will still compete under the Warzone name.
How to Vote
Voting for the People's Choice Awards begins January 11 via WeChat. Follow us at Thats_Shanghai or by scanning our QR Code and message our account 'sports awards'.
Feb 8, 7pm, free entry. The Camel, see event listing.
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