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 U18s Personality of the Year:
Jerome Soh – SUIS GB (Judo)
Since taking up Judo 3 years ago, Jerome has grown into a well-respected and confident young man. He is the perfect example of how sport can positively affect a young person. Jerome has developed into a very good Judo fighter and was recently crowned the Greater China Jiujitsu Champion. His success in martial arts has transformed him from a struggling student into a genuine role model for all student athletes.
Jean – Dulwich Pudong (Table tennis)
Jean is probably one of the most underrated amateur school athletes in the city. Jean has been dedicated to her sport of choice (table tennis) for well over 10 years consistently demonstrating outstanding team spirit, sportsmanship and performance. Jean leaves Shanghai this year but as a final sign off to Shanghai sport she won the SISAC table tennis singles city final for the third consecutive year, and she still is not a senior.
Matthew Ward – NAIS Pudong (Football, Basketball, Volleyball)
Matthew Ward shows enormous Tiger spirit when he represents NAIS Pudong in any sport. He is a dedicated athlete who excels at all sports he turns his hand to. Playing football, basketball, volleyball and being excellent on the athletics field just shows how much of an all-rounder he truly is. Matthew also plays for outside clubs including Fulham Football Club in the UK as part of their youth team and shows tremendous skill when playing football. At such a young age he shows great passion for sport and encourages his team mates throughout matches shouting words of encouragement. A sign of a team player, leader and truly talent individual.
Diksha Rout – WISS (Tennis)
Diksha had no idea tennis would give so much to her life when she picked up the racquet at 8 years of age. Now she is 13 and there are many accolades on her plate to keep inspiring her to give more to the sports. Currently she holds her career best ATF ranking 42 under U14 category in whole of Asia. She also own many titles played locally in Shanghai in U13 and U14 category in 2017, including Girls-Shanghai High School International Division Tennis Tournament and Maqiao Tennis Open. Now she has started her traveling to different countries independently to participate in various tournaments without coach and parents.
Maja Magnusson – BISS Puxi (Football)
Maja has been a BISS Lion for many years and has represented the school in local, national and international competitions at a very high level in football, basketball and athletics. She is an incredibly hard-working athlete and it is through this hard work ethic that she has been a game changing player on the football pitch. Maja lives and breathes a healthy lifestyle and is always in attendance at BISS Lions early morning fitness sessions to ensure she continues to be the best she can be.
Audrey – Shanghai Gaelic Football Club
Audrey has been playing Gaelic football for five years and has represented Shanghai at several overseas tournaments in Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam, Korea Hong Kong and even back to Ireland to play at the home of Gaelic sports in Croke Park. This strong spirited young lady has the abundant skills and a passion for the game that shines through whenever she plays. A key member of the club, Audrey supports the coaches at training with the younger players. She is strong, yet fair and will never be bullied off the ball no matter who she is up against. In the 2017 Asian Youth Championships fourteen teams competed in several aged groups and Audrey won the MVP for the whole tournament with her ‘never say die’ determination and the huge smile she wore on her face throughout the whole event.
See nominees for U18s Team of the Year & U18s Coach of the Year.
Ben Cook – Harrow (Football, Volleyball, Swimming, Tennis)
Ben is an extraordinary athlete, 100 percent dedicated to his first love, football. Ben spent the Summer in 2017 training with the Leicester City Academy and was awarded the trophy for Best Player. At Harrow, he is the captain of the U19 team, made more impressive by the fact that he is U14 and also trains as part of the ESSA Football Academy, of which he is captain. Ben is an integral member of the U19 Volleyball team and U19 Cross-Country team, he swims for the Harrow Swim Squad and is also nurturing a love for tennis. Ben is a genuine sports aficionado and an exemplary athlete to his peers here at Harrow as well as across the entire city.
How to Vote
Voting for the People's Choice Awards begins January 11 via WeChat. Follow us at SHurbanfamily or by scanning our QR Code and message our account 'sports awards'.
Feb 8, 7pm, free entry. The Camel, see event listing
