The Journey of our Magpie Heritage Team
Uniting Cultures and Strengthening Bonds
This year, the Chinese Taipei Men's Lacrosse Team embarked on a significant journey to North America, initiating its first-ever Heritage Exhibition Event. Their first stop was in Philadelphia on May 23rd, where they met with nine heritage players. Together, they engaged in extensive training sessions and took part in the Heritage Cup Tournament. It marked a special occasion for both homegrown and heritage players, as they not only showcased their lacrosse skills on the field but also formed cultural bonds off the field. In addition, the Chinese Taipei Lacrosse Association organized a two-week training camp in Los Angeles and San Diego, starting on June 22nd. The primary goal was to foster stronger connections between Taiwanese players and heritage players by providing them with more opportunities to bond. The event proved to be a remarkable success, as the players experienced meaningful interactions and profound exchanges both on and off the field.
Chinese Taipei Men’s Lacrosse Team and the heritage players showing love and friendship through the sport of lacrosse
The world of sport has an uncanny ability to bring people together, transcending barriers of language, culture, and distance. In the realm of lacrosse, a sport renowned for its rich history and competitive spirit, the Magpie Heritage Team has emerged as a symbol of unity and cultural exchange, aiming to reconnect heritage players with their origins, foster lifestyle exchanges among the players, and of course, to compete and grow stronger in the game of lacrosse.
This article delves into the heartfelt stories of heritage players such as Aidan Loh, Tanner Wallen, and Jordan Wray. They share their experiences with the Magpie Heritage Program and reflect on what it truly means to reconnect with their origins.
Aidan Loh's Quest for Heritage and Growth:
For Aidan Loh, being a part of the Magpie Heritage Team is not just about playing a game; it represents an opportunity to embrace his roots and contribute to the growth of lacrosse in Asia. Aidan's vast experience in the sport brings a unique perspective to the team. He sees himself as a guiding force, helping the players reach their collective goals. His leadership and commitment have been instrumental in fostering a sense of camaraderie among the players.
Aidan Loh (number 6) locking down opponent player
Tanner Wallen's Quest for Family Reconnection:
Tanner Wallen’s decision to join the Magpie Heritage Team was driven by a heartfelt desire to connect with his family back home. As an orphan who left Taiwan, he had always longed to reunite with his biological siblings and mother. Lacrosse presented a unique opportunity for Tanner to not only represent his homeland but also to potentially meet his sisters and learn about his heritage. The sport became a bridge to his past, allowing him to proudly represent where he came from, even as he embarked on a new life in the United States.
Tanner Wallen (middle) with head coach Travis Gillespie (left) and defensive coach Blake Duncan (right)
Jordan Wray's Reverence for Taiwan's Lacrosse:
For Jordan Wray, playing for the Magpie Heritage Team held deep significance for him and his family. As a player who is competing on the highest level of NCAA lacrosse, he was pleasantly surprised by the discipline, determination, and attention to detail of the Chinese Taipei Men’s Team. These observations allowed Jordan to gain new insights into the game, broadening his understanding and appreciation for lacrosse on an international level.
Jordan Wray (second to left) and mother Julie Wray (far right) with head coach Travis Gillespie (left) and defensive coach Blake Duncan (right)
The Power of Growth and Unity:
Adian, Tanner, and Jordan acknowledge that their experience with the Magpie Heritage Team was about more than just playing a sport; it was about growth, unity, and learning from one another. Both Adian and Jordan aspire to leverage their experience and leadership skills as guiding forces to foster the growth and development of the sport in Taiwan.
Tanner's connection to his Taiwanese heritage deepened, he is from the Tayal Tribe in Taiwan and he felt a sense of belonging among the Taiwanese players, who also represented various tribes from the island. The exposure to diverse cultures enriched his experience and left a lasting impact on him.
The stories of Aidan Loh, Tanner Wallen, and Jordan Wray illustrate the profound impact of representing one's heritage and engaging in cross-cultural sporting experiences. Lacrosse, with its unifying power, brought these heritage players closer to their Taiwanese roots, forging connections that extend beyond the boundaries of the playing field. The heritage players hope that their stories will inspire others to embrace their heritage and seek out opportunities to grow together, fostering a more inclusive and connected global lacrosse community.
The Chinese Taipei Lacrosse Association is dedicated to continuously expanding and nurturing this community. We are enthusiastic about connecting with more heritage players who share the same vision as Aidan Loh, Tanner Wallen, and Jordan Wray. Most importantly, the association is striving to establish the Magpie Heritage Program as an annual event. The success of this year's program will inspire us to expand and enhance it on a more frequent and larger scale starting next year as we will hold Heritage Exhibition Events on both the West Coast and East Coast.
If you are interested, please make sure you are subscribed to the program:
https://forms.gle/c9hFMtkcfZByMMmx9
Please stay tuned for more information and visit our Heritage Website:
Drafted event schedule for 2024, confirmed schedule will be released by the end of October.