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 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 Lifetime Achievement:
Brian Olrich - Shanghai Hockey Club
Where to begin with this ancient ginger bastard? He’s the master of the skate sharpening machine, the crafter of the Shangley Cup™, and the creator of more off-ice parties than any other three players combined. This gnarly old ginger has done more for this league than can be written about in a single article – you can’t really do him justice with the written word. He gave everything he could to this league and never asked for a damn thing in return. He established the spirit of the SHC, and it’s all they can do to continue on his tradition of backyard BBQ’s, Spring Gold Derby’s and crushing TsingTao’s at the rink until 4am.
Olivier Pietrantoni – Dolphins (Rugby)
The team mum! Olivier is a beast on WeChat and has streaked ahead of everyone in driving the development of the dolphins. Recruiting new members, making behind the scenes arrangements, setting up fixtures and organizing socials – this guy did everything for the team – except train or play games. A pure legend – something that is not said about many French!
Sam Critchley - SRFC (Rugby)
The evolution of the Shanghai Rugby club over the past few years has been truly remarkable. Going from an amateur expat club to a registered business with legitimate affiliations to National Governing bodies is no easy task. This couldn’t have been done without the help of many people, however one of the first names on the list must be Sam Critchley. He has spent countless hours wrangling with the complexities of Chinese business legislation to ensure all requirements were met for the club in securing the brightest future possible and to leave the club in a better state than when he joined it – an accolade any expat sports person would be proud of.
Tim Anderson - Softball
Tim Anderson is the hardest working sportsperson in Shanghai. As a commissioner, player, umpire, and savvy vet he has governed the 300+ member Shanghai Softball League for 14 seasons. The league has become renowned throughout Asia for being spirited and competitive, and they could not have achieved such notoriety without the leadership of Tim. All who know him can confirm that he is the most loyal, dependable, and fairest person in Shanghai, and he needs to be… they take softball very seriously.
Andy Scott - Bashers (Cricket)
Better known to his teammates as 'Tank,' he has been involved with Shanghai Cricket Club since he started playing the sport here in 2006. The rare-breed American cricketer wasn’t introduced to the sport until 2004, when he came along to the Shanghai International Cricket Sixes to watch the legendary Viv Richards punish the ball to all corners of the ground, but he has made a plethora of contributions to the sport here since. From 2008 through 2014, he sat on the SCC board during which time he brought back the historic club blazer, which dates back over a century, he helped expand the local league to include three ability-based divisions, and was influential in organizing local tournaments and club tours overseas. Tank played an important role in planning games against Hong Kong Cricket Club and the national women’s teams from Japan, Singapore and Pakistan, and until this year was responsible for running the SCC website and maintaining historical records.
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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