THE story of Port Adelaide player Chen Shaoliang has been included as one of the 45 stories used to mark the 45 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People’s Republic of China.

45 Years, 45 Stories is a collection of stories told from Australian and Chinese perspectives that speak to the breadth and depth of the friendship between our peoples. 

“I was born in Chaozhou to a family of farmers and went on to study sports management at Guangzhou Sports University,” Chen said.

“In 2012, the AFL came to my university to draft international players. That was my first experience of Australian football. They saw that I could jump and invited me to Australia. I later became the South China Australian Football League’s leading goal kicker, as well as the captain of Team China.

“In 2016, I was invited to train with Port Adelaide Football Club. It was a dream opportunity for me, to become a professional footy player. But I injured my knee during my first week of training, and spent a year in rehabilitation. I was upset, but I never gave up. I spent that time in rehabilitation helping Chinese fans to better understand AFL, as Port Adelaide’s China ambassador.”

The program was launched at an event at the Investment Centre Victoria, Melbourne on Thursday, 23 November 2017. Foreign Minister The Hon Julie Bishop and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Cheng Jingye were present at the event.

Chen’s story was one of only four stories highlighted on the night.

“During his visit to Australia in March 2017, I showed Premier Li Keqiang the basic skills and rules of AFL. He encouraged me to bring this game to China,” Chen continued.

“My rehabilitation was completed in July 2017 and I led Team China to a historical breakthrough at the 2017 AFL International Cup, winning four out of five games.

“In August, I finally wore the Port Adelaide Football Club jumper after a 17 month wait, debuting in the South Australian National Football League reserves. I became the first Chinese player to play in a senior Australian Rules league,” Chen said.

On 21 December 2017 we celebrate the 45th anniversary of Australia-China diplomatic relations.

“This is a great recognition for Chen, and a reflection on the tremendous impact his presence has had on the Port Adelaide community – and indeed on the bilateral relationship,” said Andrew Hunter, General Manager of Port Adelaide’s China Engagement.

“The moment he taught Premier Li Keqiang to handball, in the Port Adelaide change room prior to our opening round match against Sydney this year, will live long in the memory.

“Port Adelaide Football Club believes in the power of sports diplomacy. Tonight (Thursday), we reflect how important sport is to the Australian people, and the role it can play in the Australia-China relationship.

“We want to make Port Adelaide’s annual match in China the jewel in the crown of the bilateral relationship. And with Chen’s involvement, that jewel with have an extra sparkle,” Hunter said.

45 Years, 45 Stories is an initiative of the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The stories celebrate the multifaceted community and cultural links – across sports, science, the arts, business and academia – that are the fabric of the Australia-China relationship.

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