MCPS Pickleball Diplomacy: A group of students, parents, and staff from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in Maryland will be honored at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, August 2, 2025. The event follows their recent pickleball diplomacy trip to China and a letter they received from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The group will be welcomed by Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng at the embassy, located at 3505 International Place NW, Washington, D.C. The visit will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include a range of cultural activities designed to highlight Chinese traditions and further connect the delegation with their hosts.
Pickleball Diplomacy Gains Recognition
The MCPS delegation traveled to China earlier this year as part of a cultural and sports exchange centered on pickleball, a fast-growing paddle sport. The goal of the trip was to build friendship and understanding between Chinese and American youth through shared play and experience.
After returning to the United States, the delegation sent a letter of thanks to Chinese leaders. In a rare and notable moment, they received an official reply from Chinese President Xi Jinping. That response has since drawn attention both in China and internationally, further lifting the profile of the group’s mission.
Cultural Activities at the Embassy
During their upcoming visit to the embassy, the MCPS students, parents, and educators will take part in Chinese cultural experiences. These may include traditional performances, crafts, or food. The event celebrates the growing connections between American and Chinese communities through sport and cultural exchange.
Building Bridges Through Pickleball
The trip and the planned embassy event are part of a larger initiative known as Pickleball Diplomacy. This concept uses the simple game of pickleball to bring people from different countries together. The MCPS delegation’s experience shows how such efforts can create real understanding and goodwill.
By welcoming the group, the Chinese government has recognized the positive role of youth sports in global relationships. As interest in pickleball continues to rise, similar programs may become more common in the future.
News in Brief: MCPS Pickleball Diplomacy
A Montgomery County Public Schools delegation will visit the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., on August 2, 2025. They will be honored for their pickleball diplomacy trip to China. The visit includes cultural activities and follows a personal reply from Chinese President Xi Jinping to their letter of gratitude.
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