Montgomery County Pickleball Stars: Thirty-one student-athletes from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are traveling to China during spring break to compete in friendly pickleball matches in three major cities: Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing. The trip starts Wednesday and ends April 21, with students flying out from Dulles International Airport.
A Trip of Sport and Friendship
The MCPS group will take part in friendly competitions designed to build connections through sport. The students, all pickleball athletes, will represent their schools and community during their time in China. MCPS said the goal is to connect students through travel and cultural exchange.
“We want to build a relationship with the Chinese Administration and kind of emphasize the friendship aspect of the entire trip,” MCPS student-athlete Corinne Howard said. “Pickleball is the place to do that.”
Warm Welcome from China
The trip is being organized in partnership with a Chinese delegation, which will host the students throughout the visit. MCPS director of systemwide athletics Jeffrey Sullivan praised their hosts, saying,
“Everything that they’ve done to provide a platform for us and welcome us into their country, we are extremely excited.” – (Sullivan)
Looking Ahead
This trip is expected to give students a unique chance to explore a different culture while competing in a sport they love. MCPS hopes this visit strengthens international friendships and encourages future exchanges. Students will return home with new experiences and stronger team bonds.
News in Brief: Montgomery County Pickleball Stars
Thirty-one MCPS pickleball athletes are visiting China during spring break to compete in friendly matches. The trip includes stops in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing. Students fly out April 9 and return April 21, aiming to build cultural connections through sport and friendship.
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