Montgomery County Pickleball Diplomacy Exchange: Students, parents, and staff from Montgomery County Public Schools were honored at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., on Saturday morning. They were recognized for their recent trip to China, where they played pickleball and built friendships. The visit was praised by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who responded with a letter of appreciation.
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President Xi Praises Youth Exchange
The group traveled to China as part of a program called “Pickleball Diplomacy.” They took part in games and cultural activities to strengthen ties between the United States and China. After the visit, they sent a thank-you letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
President Xi replied, saying,
“Thank you for your letter, and congratulations on your successful visit to China! I am very pleased to see that the sport of pickleball has become a new bond for youth exchanges between China and the United States. The future of China-U.S. relations depends on the youth. I hope you will become a new generation of ambassadors for friendship between our two countries and make greater contributions to enhancing the friendship between our two peoples.”
Sharing Pickleball Inside the Embassy
Montgomery County Public Schools is the first school district in the U.S. to offer pickleball as a varsity sport. During the embassy visit, the student Pickleball Ambassadors set up a court and played inside the embassy building.
Ryan Corkery, a graduate of Sherwood High School who was part of the trip, shared his thoughts:
“When we were in China, everyone was so welcoming,” he said. “We were happy to be there and they were happy for us.”
“We went with the title of ‘Pickleball Diplomacy,’ but it really turned into more of creating these bonds, friends, and experiencing a different culture.”
A Lasting Impact
The trip was more than a sports exchange. It helped students build real friendships and experience a new culture. The program showed how pickleball can bring people together across countries. The recognition from the Chinese Embassy and President Xi Jinping highlights the growing role of youth and sports in global relationships.
The students and staff returned home with unforgettable memories and a stronger sense of connection between the two nations. Their visit may encourage more student exchanges in the future.
News in Brief: Montgomery County Pickleball Diplomacy Exchange
Montgomery County students were honored at the Chinese Embassy after a trip to China for “Pickleball Diplomacy.” Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the visit, calling it a bridge between youth in the U.S. and China. Students played inside the embassy and shared how the experience built cultural friendships.
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