Shanghai sports friends, here we go again. The Camel and That’s Shanghai 9th Annual Sports Awards will take place on February 21. Once a year, we gather to recognize those who have truly made their mark on the city’s amateur 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.
There are 16 awards across six categories in the general selection, plus three Under 18s categories with 12 awards to be won, with big prizes from F45 and REVO up for grabs. There will also be a raffle fundraiser on the night, with all money raised from that going to the Baobei Foundation.
And now, without further ado, here are the nominations for Best International Performance of the Year:
Road Cycling - Taylor Price (known to many as TP)
In February TP crashed hard shattering his collarbone, required surgery, and broke three ribs. Six weeks later he raced in Indonesia placing 4th and qualified for the amateur World Championships in Italy where he was 18th. Later he won the Niseko Classic (Japan), was 2nd at the Tour of Friendship (Thailand), top 30 at the USA National Championships and 9th at the Taiwan KOM. He was also the Shanghai Classics series champion.
Dolphins Rugby - Rich Lester’s Packing Ability
Documented in 20 plus minutes of raw, uncut footage, the Dolphins (insert missing adjective) person, Rich Lester may have entered the Guinness book of World Records for his attempt at packing his solitary kit bag Sunday afternoon post Bangkok 10’s tournament. With a tropical storm forecast to hit at any minute watching this muddled sod unpack and then repack his bag at the Revolution Bar Bangkok, was like watching a warthog trying solve a Rubik’s Cube. What was pure pain and agony for the confused buffoon, for everyone else this tortuous one-man show was the highlight of their Sunday. Rich, we love you, but you suck!
Women’s Football (SWIFC) - Lauren Van Der Vyver
Lauren is Shanghai Women's International Football Club lead goal keeper who protects "her house". Her sound goal-keeping skills helped SWIFC A team win the 2018 Gulangyu Women's Cup. Her unstoppable ball blocking, won her the "Golden Glove" Award, and helped her team remain undefeated in the Xiamen Tournament. Lauren is one of the best female goal keepers in China, and leads as not only a positive example, but nothing gets past her in goal. SWIFC's success is much owed her to defensive skills and "go get it" attitude on the field. She is a key member of SWIFC, and will continue to help the team grow.
Shanghai Rugby Foot Club - Shanghai Dragons
Shanghai Rugby Football Club “Shanghai Dragons” is one of the oldest rugby clubs in the world, having been founded in 1881. It is a rich and varied history, but at present is going from strength to strength. The Green Dragon’s, the men’s second team, provide a fertile ground for new players to learn the sport. Finally, Shanghai’s rivals have often cast them as too serious for rugby, but after a string of successful social events, even the Dolphins commented that ‘I can’t hate Shanghai RFC now that they are fun.’
Shanghai Softball - Stepdads
South East Asia has a very robust and competitive softball community, comprised of ormer High School, College, semi-pro, pro and Military players. There are four major tournaments every year: Philippines, Pattaya, Vietnam, and Jakarta. Shanghai has proven to be a strong competitor over the past few years being led to top wins with The Stepdads. Through a combination of smart athletic players they took two of the four international tournaments this past year as well as placed in the other two. Not an easy accomplishment, lending to the fact Shanghai is full of talented players, but the Dads know how to get the best out of them.
Shanghai Tigers (AFL) - Asian Champs
The Tigers joined up with other AFL stars in China to play against teams from all over Asia. 2018 in KL was the largest ever AFL Asian Champs with over 20 teams. China was in Div 20 with 13 other equally keen teams. It was a hot day, and the battle on the field was fierce. Baird kicked goals, Gray kicked behinds, Pentney ate dirt and Dickson ate ball. After four games China lined up in the plate final against Macao. Kicks, handballs and marks galore in the final saw China win easily and lift the plate in style. Not only did we win the plate, Shanghai Tigers were best off ground by a country mile!
How to Vote
Voting for the People's Choice Awards begins February 13 via WeChat. Follow us at Thats_Shanghai or by scanning our QR Code and message our account 'sports awards'.
Feb 21, 7pm, free entry. The Camel, see event listing.
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