Elite Official in British Columbia – Tony Shaw
Courtesy of Table Tennis Canada

Tony Shaw began playing Table Tennis when he was 10 years old in his native country of Taiwan.  His passion grew as the years flew by.  After immigrating to Canada, he continued to play and involved himself in both the BCTTA along with the CTTA as an official. He wrote the preliminary exams and followed the Canadian Table Tennis pathway, which resulted with his International Umpire certificate in 1992. More than 12 years passed as Tony prepared to take the Advanced Umpire Exam and seminar.  His success came in 2004 with the acquisition of his Blue Badge status.  Tony reached a milestone in his career as an umpire.

Tony also began organizing tournaments as a referee in British Columbia and across Canada.  He passed the National Referee course in Canada and embarked on a pathway to become an International Referee.  This road was difficult and Tony never gave up.  He took the International Referee and was successful in Hangzhou, China. This was a huge accomplishment.  There are only 6 IR’s in Canada and 10 in all of North America.  Tony was invited to be a deputy referee in Taiwan in 2013 which was a highlight of his referee career.

Tony has a long list of accomplishments in Canada and throughout the world.  According to Tony, his most memorable event was the 44th World Championships in Manchester, England (1997).

Other events that have seen Tony’s expertise include:

2015 – Pan American Games – Toronto, Canada
2014 – World Championships in Tokyo, Japan
2012 – World Junior championships in Hyderabad, India
2009 – World Championships in Yokohama, Japan
2008 – Paralympic Games in Beijing, China

Tony’s future ambition is to officiate at the Olympic Games (2016) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Over the years, Tony has been recognized by local, provincial and national organizations for his contribution to the sport of table tennis as an outstanding official.  He has provided his time and energy to increase awareness of the sport especially as an official. He has worked locally in the Greater Vancouver area and has translated articles into Mandarin in three Chinese papers during the 90’s.  In 1993 Tony collaborated with USATT and launched the official exchange program between Canada and the US with YC Lee (then VP of the USATT).

His recognition includes:

• Recipient of the Perc McLeod Memorial award (1993) by Ontario  TT Association
• Recipient of the Betty Tweedy Award by Canadian Table Tennis Association (1995)
• Recipient of the Art Barron trophy by Canadian Table Tennis Association (1996)
• Recipient of the Sports BC President Award by Sports BC in 1999
• Three times recipient – Official of the year awards (in 2003, 2009, and 2013) by  Richmond Sports Council in recognition of Excellence in Athletics – Official
• Recipient of the Community Sports Hero Awards from Via Sports & Sports BC in 2013 in recognition of service and contribution to the sport of table tennis in Metro Vancouver

Tony Shaw’s most recent honor will take place on Nov 21, 2015.  He has been selected to be the first inaugural inductee to the Richmond Sports Wall of Fame which is prominently located at the Richmond Olympic oval.  Congratulations Tony Shaw. Tony Shaw is a committed and dedicated official for both BC and Canada. We salute you.