Monday, October 12, 2009

Challenge a ping pong champ to benefit Richard Nixon Foundation or Philharmonic Society of Orange County

The national sport of China takes center court in Ping Pong Diplomacy: The Rematch presented by South Coast Plaza in collaboration with the Richard Nixon Foundation. Part of “Ancient Paths, Modern Voices: A Festival Celebrating Chinese Culture,” Ping Pong Diplomacy: The Rematch celebrates the pivotal role culture has played in Chinese‐American relations.

The two day tournament will feature American and Chinese ping pong champions, Olympians, collegiate athletes and youth challengers, as well as an “open” session where the public is invited to “Challenge a Champ” in competition. A $5 donation to the Richard Nixon Foundation or the Philharmonic Society of Orange County is required by those participating in the tournament.

Ping Pong Diplomacy: The Rematch will also include an exhibit of archival photographs honoring the original 1971 and 1972 table tennis events between the United States and Chinese national table tennis teams that became known as “Ping Pong Diplomacy.” The exhibit, on display at South Coast Plaza, also includes photographs documenting Richard Nixon’s history‐making trip to China.

WHO:
Players include:
Gao Jun – 2008, 2004, 2000 US Olympian, 8‐Time National Champion
Crystal Huang – 2008 US Olympian & US National Champion
Erica Wu – 2009 US Girl’s Junior Team, Ranked #4 in US Girl’s under 16 & 18 yrs.
Tawny Banh – 2004 & 2000 US Olympian, 1994‐2007 US National Team
Ben Johnson – Elite player in California

WHEN:
Saturday, October 17, 2009, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, October 18, 2009, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE:
South Coast Plaza
Crate and Barrel/Macy’s Home Store Wing, Level 1
3333 Bear Street in Costa Mesa, CA
For directions, click here for a Google Map. Broadcast van parking is available.

HOW: Ping Pong Diplomacy: The Rematch is open to the public and “Challenge a Champ” is on a first come, first served basis.

WEBSITE: www.SouthCoastPlazaChinaFestival.com

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