On Friday 19th September 2014, the Australian Consul General Guangzhou Mr Dominic Trindade hosted a function to welcome home the contingent of players from the Guangzhou Scorpions who recently represented the Team China Power Dragons at the IC 14 in Australia. Of the 30 players in the Team China Power Dragons list, 25 of the players hailed from the Guangzhou Scorpions program. The team were also aptly supported by 3 female support staff from Guangzhou.
The function was a rousing success with a great turnout of Aussie consulate staff, local expats, local media and loyal sponsors. Everyone joined in welcoming the team back and was treated to the many stories of the magnificent Australian journey.
In his speech, Consul General Trindade praised the efforts of all the players for their teamwork, discipline, courage and commitment to great game of Australian rules. He noted the success of the team by winning a game against Finland during the competition. During the evening, player Liu Sheng was awarded with the ‘China Spirit’ award for his positive contributions on and off the field during the tour.
Consul General Trindade recognised the contribution of the Port Adelaide Football Club for enabling the team to compete in the IC 14. Whilst in Australia, the team were treated to once in a lifetime experiences including attendance at two AFL games, a lap of honour at an AFL game, the traditional pre AFL game march, a training session with the Port Adelaide AFL team, tours of both Adelaide and Melbourne cities and attendance at the popular AFL footy show, just to name a few.
The team are now in preparations to commence the Guangdong Football League (GDAFL) which is made up of teams from Guangzhou, Dongguan and Huizhou. The GDAFL is an important stepping stone for players to compete in the South China Football League which is made up of teams from Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou.
Team China Power Dragons will travel to Hong Kong this weekend Sept 26th /27th and play the Hong Kong Dragons in an exhibition match as part of the AFL Grand Final Day Extraveganza. Around 300 people are expected to attend the event at the prestigious Hong Kong Football Club (established 1864) including a contingent including SANFL Legend Russell Ebert and players from AFL’s Port Adelaide Football Club! Details at www.hk-dragons.com
Photo:
Consul General Trindade proudly wears his jumper signed by the Team China Power Dragons – presented by Zhang Hao and Chen Shaoliang
