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 Best Newcomer:
Hungover Games
Getting shot with arrows more times than enjoying hot meals.. the only thing you’ll enjoy more is having drinks and dinner parties with the people doing the shooting. Twice on Sundays and once every Tuesday, 500+ member Hungover Games Group meets at Cages for a dodgeball-esque sport played with bow and foam-tipped arrow. The 28 person game roster and 30+ person wait list sells out in SECONDS. Most starting off as strangers, the group has quickly become close friends, meeting for dinners, movies, parties and even traveling together.. after just half a year.
Joey 'C' Costello - Shanghai Lacrosse League
This guy showed up to Shanghai bright eyed and bushy tailed and has not let us down. During a game a fellow lax bro commented, "He lives hard." Both on and off the field Joey is always ready to go and down to clown. Taking home Most Goals, Most Points, the prestigious Wes Proctor Award and Championship Cup in his first season Joey has embraced the Shanghai spirit and is only just getting started.
John Cakebread - Dolphins (Rugby)
This young whippersnapper has joined the dolphins and made an instant impact. Hard as nails on the pitch, loose as a slinky off it. He ran rings around opponents, made strong tackles and protected the ball as if it was his own dolphin pup. He was also the winner of the dolphins Best Forward in his first season in Shanghai!
Margerita Praitano - Pink Dragons (Rugby)
Since her arrival, Margerita has fully dedicated her time and energy to the club. The progression she has made in her short time at the club has been outstanding. She has gone from having never touched a rugby ball in her life to being counted upon to make the big hits on the pitch. She has also wasted no time in getting involved in the wider running of the club as woman’s recruitment and fixtures secretary. She has been the key to the excellent performance to the SRFC Pink Dragons this year, forming a solid team base and pushing their level way above expectations.
Matt Quaine - Shanghai Hockey Club
Every once in a while we see a great new rook with boundless talent join the SHC, but it’s not very often we get players with a great personality to match the dangles. In Matt “Pain Train” Quaine we got both. This American beauty came out of nowhere this year to absolutely dominate the league with his spirited play, volunteerism, and all round good attitude, and we were grateful for it. Every league needs a new injection of youth every now and then, and Matt’s respectful enough of his elders to do just that without having to be brutally hazed.
Nicole - SWIFC (Women’s Football)
Nicole, a newcomer to the Shanghai Women’s Soccer Team has been the ultimate team motivator of the 2017 season. Her team huddle cheers can be heard in Canada where this diva is from. With her undeniable positive energy and team spirit, Nicole embodies what this women’s soccer team is all about -‘Sisterhood and Goal Scoring’. Nicole and her teammates are making a stir in the sports community by breaking down barriers in the female sports division here in Shanghai. Vote for Nicole and she’ll give you a beer and a high-five.
Shanghaied Dragons - Dragon Boat Racing
For over 10 years, a group of foreigners and Chinese have quietly practiced and competed both local and internationally. We have worked to preserve this great Chinese tradition of racing and would love for others to know us and enjoy a great sport and share our team spirit!
Small Paul - Silver Dragons (Rugby)
Despite concerns from some of the guys about another French presence on the team, Small Paul has proved to be everything not expected of the French: reliable, aggressive and determined in the face of adversity. His impact on the field has been immeasurable. He has become a key component of the Silver Dragons’ forwards pack and can often be seen coordinating the lineout or being a dogged defender around the pitch.
Stephen Murphy - Gaelic
Stephen Murphy came onto the Shanghai Gaelic scene early last spring and has since proved himself a crucial player to the Shanghai Men’s team. A powerful midfielder, Stephen was determined to bring success to his team and club in their performances in both the All-China Games held in Beijing this past spring and the All-Asian Games that were held in Bangkok this past November. He scored an awesome goal in the first game against Singapore and continued to play strong throughout the rest of the tournament! Stephen received a Men’s All-Star Award at the All-Asian Games and his Gaelic club voted him “Most Valuable Men’s Player” this winter.
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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