Ping Pong Diplomacy: The Rematch June 10, 2008

The Richard Nixon Presidential Library will be the venue for American/Chinese Ping Pong Diplomacy: The Rematch, a historic sequel of the extraordinary 1971 and 1972 table tennis events between United States and Chinese table tennis teams that became internationally known as “Ping Pong Diplomacy.”

The three-day table tennis tournament, scheduled for Tuesday, June 10 through Thursday, June 12, will feature greats from both countries. They’ll take part in a series of table tennis exhibitions, including instructional clinics for school age youngsters, collegiate challenges, competitions against the public, and the official Rematch of players from the original “Ping Pong Diplomacy” teams.

Festivities will occur in the Library’s spectacular East Room, a full-size replica of the White House East Room in Washington, D.C., considered America’s Grand Ballroom.

The Ping Pong Diplomacy: The Rematch schedule includes:

Day 1: Tuesday, June 10, 2008: Official Welcome and Banquet

o 10:00 am: American and Chinese delegations arrive at the Nixon Presidential Library for an official Welcome Ceremony and Reception, formal wreath laying at the memorials of President and Mrs. Nixon, and a guided tour of the Library and Birthplace.
o 6:00 pm: Welcome Banquet

Day 2: Wednesday, June 11, 2008: Exhibitions

The American and Chinese delegations will return to the Nixon Library for a full day of table tennis activities in the East Room:

o 10:00 am: Instructional Youth Clinic and Skills Exhibition – led by members of the United States and Chinese “Ping Pong Diplomacy” Table Tennis Teams.
o Collegiate Challenge – local college table tennis teams will compete.
o Challenge a Champ – members of the public are invited to compete in a table tennis match (first to reach 5 points) against a member of the United States or Chinese “Ping Pong Diplomacy” Table Tennis Teams for $5 per match.
o 5:30 pm: Private reception hosted by the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Los Angeles.

Day 3: Thursday, June 12, 2008: The American/Chinese Rematch

o 9:00 am: The American/Chinese Rematch will be a one of a kind event, appealing to youngsters and adults alike. It will begin with a formal Opening Ceremony, highlighted by the presentation of American and Chinese National Colors, musical performances, and American and Chinese entertainment. Accomplished junior table tennis champs will get things started by facing off in youth competitions. In the second part, collegiate challenge finalists from Day 2 will be paired for a collegiate challenge championship match. This will all set the table for The American/Chinese Rematch, unquestionably the centerpiece of the three-day table tennis tournament.

Ticket Packages:
VIP Ambassador Passports are $125
Diplomat Passports are $35
Consulate Passports are $10

Official Website: http://www.nixonlibraryfoundation.org/index.php?src=events&category=Upcoming%20Events&srctype=detail&category=Upcoming%20Events&refno=84