Pickleball Documentary China: Thirty student-athletes from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland traveled to China earlier this year to play pickleball and take part in a cultural exchange. They visited the cities of Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing during a 12-day trip that combined sports, learning, and international friendship. A documentary called Pickleball Diplomacy: From Student Athletes to Ambassadors was released over the weekend to show what they experienced. The film is now available on the MCPS YouTube Channel.
A journey through culture and sport
The MCPS students took part in games, workshops, and group visits across China, helping build connections between American and Chinese youth through pickleball. The tour gave students a chance to experience Chinese culture up close, while also promoting teamwork and respect through friendly competition.
To express his thanks for the warm welcome received in China, MCPS Systemwide Athletics Director Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan sent a letter in June to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“Words cannot express how thankful we are for this opportunity to visit China and make lifelong friendships and memories,” wrote Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan. “On behalf of our ambassadors who had the distinct honor of defining Pickleball Diplomacy, I wish to extend our deepest gratitude for the warm hospitality, friendship, and cultural richness we experienced during our visit to your great nation. The tour offered us a remarkable opportunity not only to engage in friendly athletic competition and collaboration, but also to deepen our understanding of China’s vibrant communities and enduring cultural traditions.”
President Xi Jinping replies to MCPS
Chinese President Xi Jinping responded to Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan’s letter last week. In his message, President Xi praised the success of the tour and spoke about the importance of youth exchanges between countries.
“President Xi congratulated the delegation on their successful visit and expressed happiness that pickleball had emerged as a new link for youth interaction between the two countries,” according to a July 7 story in The Daily Cpec. “Xi emphasized that the future of China-U.S. relations lies in the hands of the younger generation. He expressed hope that the delegation members would serve as a new generation of friendship ambassadors, strengthening ties and understanding between the two peoples.”
Special visit to Chinese Embassy planned
To honor the tour and the positive experience shared between the two countries, the MCPS pickleball team will be formally hosted at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., this August.
MCPS became the first school district in the United States to make pickleball a varsity sport. The program started in 2023 at 11 high schools and was expanded to all 25 high schools in 2024.
We are deeply honored to receive President Xi’s response, speaking to the positive impact of Pickleball Diplomacy and fostering friendship through sport. We are extremely proud of our student ambassadors and forever grateful for the hospitality we received in China. @MCPS
🇨🇳🤝🇺🇸 https://t.co/xz9p100F0U— Jeff Sullivan (@mcpsAD) July 6, 2025
A powerful example of student exchange
This trip shows how sports like pickleball can bring young people from different nations together. The visit allowed students to become “ambassadors” of friendship through fun and learning. With the continued growth of the sport in schools, more chances like this could help connect young athletes from around the world.
News in Brief: Pickleball Documentary China
Montgomery County Public Schools students visited China for a pickleball and cultural tour across three major cities. A documentary of their journey was released, and Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the effort. The team will visit the Chinese Embassy in August to celebrate the success of this unique student exchange.
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