Markham City Hall recognition 2025

On November 24, 2025, the City of Markham held a Community Recognition Ceremony for our athletes that competed in the 2024 World Junior Wushu Championships in Brunei for Team Canada. Our athletes were honoured with this recognition alongside our members of the Markham community that had outstanding achievements in sports, the arts, science, business and academics.

Congratulations to the following Canadian Wushu Team athletes:

• Lia Tang-Ruggiero (Gold in Gunshu and Gold in Daoshu for Girls B Group)

• Ryan Gao (Gold in Daoshu for Boys C Group)

• Thea Dong (Silver in Daoshu for Girls C Group)

• Eason Gao (Bronze in Qiangshu for Boys C Group)

• Chris Gao (Bronze in Qiangshu for Boys A Group)

• Venus Li (4th in Qiangshu, 5th in Jianshu for Girls B Group)

• Marcus Li (4th in Gunshu for Boys B Group)

• Amanda Sun (6th in Jianshu for Girls A Group)

• Allen Liu (4th in Gunshu for Boys A Group)

The City put on a great event with the following activities: playing of the Canadian national anthem, awards handed out by Major Frank Scarpitti, individual and group photos, and a short reception with snacks.

Congratulations to all of our athletes and to Master Li and Coach Erica!!

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Markham City Government Recognition of Team Canada Junior Wushu Athletes

On Sunday, February 16, 2025, members of Canadian National Junior Wushu Team were honoured for their achievements at the 9th World Junior Wushu Championships by local Canadian government officials.

Thank you to Mr. Michael Chan, Deputy Mayor of Markham for organizing the award recognitions for our Canadian youth athletes and hosting a presentation ceremony. Additionally, thank you to Mr. Frank Scarpitti, Mayor of Markham, for your continued support. Your support of our athletes and the advancement of the Canadians in the sport of Wushu on the world stage means a lot to us!

Those honoured were Lia, Ryan, Thea, Eason, Chris, Marcus, Venus, Amanda, Allen and Kai-Hsin. They were presented each with a plaque from the City of Markham and bouquet of flowers for their outstanding achievements (see more here).

And a big shoutout to Coach Li for initiating the recognition for our world champions.

Congrats to everyone!

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Congrats to our Athletes on Your Wushu Canada Awards!

Congratulations to Lia and Amanda!

On March 17, 2024, Wushu Canada — together with the City of Markham — recognized two Wushu Canada athletes from Wayland Li Wushu for their accomplishments in the sport.

• Lia Tang-Ruggiero was recognized as “Most promising Wushu Taolu Athlete of the Year 2023”

• Amanda Sun was recognized as “Wushu Taolu Rising Star of the Year 2023”

In 2022, at the 8th World Junior Wushu Championships, Lia won gold for Group B Gunshu, silver for Group B Changquan and bronze for Group B Daoshu. Amanda placed 5th in Group B Jianshu and 6th in Group B Qiangshu.

Thank you to Shifu Li for his diligent coaching througout the years.

Further, thank you to Mr. Sunny Tang, president of Wushu Canada for presenting the award, as well as Rosalynn Kwok for coordinating the awards.

Amazing stuff!

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