Sports Awards Night
![Two young men, one in a floral shirt and the other in a suit, stand with a woman and other boys on a stage during a "Sports Awards Night" event with "JUNIOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL" displayed in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1783630188/uwcthailandacth/povqo7qv0kzlguwia4ox/SportsAwardsNight_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1783630188/uwcthailandacth/povqo7qv0kzlguwia4ox/SportsAwardsNight_1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1783630188/uwcthailandacth/povqo7qv0kzlguwia4ox/SportsAwardsNight_1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1783630188/uwcthailandacth/povqo7qv0kzlguwia4ox/SportsAwardsNight_1.png","width":1080}])
By John (JP) Powell, Director of Sports and Activities, UWC Thailand
Celebrating a Year of Achievement
The UWC Thailand Sports Awards Night was a memorable celebration of achievement, community, and the incredible spirit of the Mantas programme. Across two award sessions, students, families, staff, and supporters gathered to recognize the dedication and perseverance shown throughout the year in athletics! 76 trophies were distributed between the Primary and Secondary awards through a remarkable sustainable collaboration with Re-vive.earth, the Design & Technology Lab, and UWC Thailand Precious Plastics. These unique awards reflected not only athletic excellence, but also our school’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. The evening was elevated by the efforts of the Athletics Council, generous raffle donors, Manta SPA, and every department across UWC Thailand that contributed behind the scenes. From the opening Primary celebration through the evening reception and Secondary ceremony, the atmosphere highlighted the strength and unity of the entire school community. The event truly showcased how sport continues to bring together students, parents, coaches, and staff in meaningful and inspiring ways.
A number of special community awards highlighted the outstanding individuals who embody the values of UWC Thailand athletics. The Best MANTA Supporter award was presented to Min Fang for the unwavering encouragement and support shown at countless competitions, tournaments, and running events throughout the year. The Front Office All-Star award was shared by Khun Thomas, Khun Vera, and Khun Khwan from the Marketing team for their exceptional support of the Manta Office behind the scenes. Coach Agar Batkhuyag received the Above & Beyond Award for his tremendous volunteer contributions and support in elevating the programme to another level leading Re-vive’s sustainable trophy. The UWC Motto Award was presented to Rob Carmichael, whose daily actions continue to exemplify “Good Heart, Balanced Mind, Healthy Body” through his kindness, outdoor education leadership, and commitment to keeping the community active through kayaking and sailing.
The evening also celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of this year’s Athletes of the Year across all divisions. In the Primary, Alila Wilson was recognized for her determination and versatility, earning praise for her PISAC Track & Field and Cross Country performances while also stepping into the U13 Football attack during the Harrow Soccer 7s with tremendous teamwork and effort. Maxi Leitthead earned recognition for his relentless competitive spirit across PISAC events, consistently leaving everything on the playing surface and embodying the mindset of a true Manta. For the Secondary levels, Lexi Gilmartin earned the Junior Girls Athlete of the Year award after excelling in Volleyball, Basketball, and multiple PISAC events while positively contributing as a Senior team member in two sports. Ben Ang was recognized as Junior Boys Athlete of the Year for his outstanding sportsmanship, coachability, exceptional attendance, and multiple PISAC Track & Field records. Senior Girls Athlete of the Year went to Zalika Agola Frias, whose leadership helped guide her team to ASAC Championships while also medaling in three of four PISAC Track & Field events. Senior Boys Athlete of the Year was awarded to Dimitar Fidanowski for a second consecutive year after captaining two ASAC teams, leading Football to the school’s first ASAC Final, and consistently demonstrating humility, kindness, and academic excellence before his upcoming journey to Duke University. Throughout the evening, every award and recognition reflected the values of teamwork, resilience, leadership, and sportsmanship that define the Manta community. The Sports Awards Night was not only a celebration of victories and performances, but also a reminder of the lasting relationships and personal growth built through athletics at UWC Thailand.
