Pickleball Cultural Exchange in China: A group of 31 student-athletes from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland will travel to China next month for a unique pickleball-themed cultural exchange. From April 9-21, the delegation will visit Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing, competing in friendly matches while learning about Chinese culture.
A Bridge Through Sports
The trip is part of an initiative to strengthen international ties through athletics. Funded by The Ministry of Education of China and the China Education Association for International Exchange, the program brings together students from different backgrounds.
“The purpose of this trip is not just representing MCPS, the state of Maryland — it’s representing our country,” said MCPS Systemwide Athletics Director Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan. “And building that friendship beyond borders through sport.”
The delegation includes students from the Student-Athlete Leadership Council, varsity pickleball players, MCPS-TV students, and those in Chinese immersion programs.
Training and Cultural Preparation
Leading up to the trip, students have been training at Dill Dinkers to refine their pickleball skills. Additionally, they are learning about Chinese culture and language to enhance their experience abroad.
“We’re there to compete and to have an American and a Chinese student playing doubles together”.
“Just that alone, being able to bring our students together to learn a game and to participate in a game together, it really speaks to the power of athletics and what athletics can do globally in terms of bringing people together.”-( Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan)
MCPS was the first school district in the U.S. to introduce pickleball as a varsity sport, making this international exchange a natural next step in expanding the game’s reach.
Building Lasting Connections
School Board President Julie Yang emphasized the trip’s broader mission beyond sports.
“This is not just about pickleball, this is about building bridges — building bridges among young people, building bridges among communities, and building bridges among cultures,” -(Julie Yang)
Through this exchange, students will not only compete but also form new friendships and gain a deeper understanding of global connections through athletics.
News in Brief: Pickleball Cultural Exchange in China
Thirty-one MCPS student-athletes will travel to China from April 9-21 for a pickleball cultural exchange. They will visit Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing, competing in friendly matches. The trip, funded by Chinese education organizations, aims to foster international friendships through sports and cultural learning.
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