The 40th Anniversary of Ping Pong Diplomacy Set for Nixon Library

The Rematch: U.S./Chinese Table Tennis Exhibition will feature Champions from original '71 and '72 matches

YORBA LINDA, Calif., June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Richard Nixon's historic journey to China in 1972 – "the week that changed the world" – began with ping pong. Youthful teams of Chinese and American players met in Japan and struck up an unexpected friendship which caught the attention of Chairman Mao Tse-tung, who saw the diplomatic potential and invited them to play in Beijing.

The result became known as Ping Pong Diplomacy which paved the way for President Nixon to go to China and sit down with the Chinese leadership; together they changed the world.

The Richard Nixon Foundation will commemorate the 40th anniversary of this extraordinary series of 1971 and 1972 Chinese-American matches in 40th Anniversary Ping Pong Diplomacy: The Rematch, to be held July 8, 2011 in the White House East Room at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library, featuring members of the original '71 and '72 teams.

This historic rematch will be jointly hosted by the Nixon Foundation, USA Table Tennis, and the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles. Other sponsors include Butterfly and Power Pong.

An impressive lineup of American and Chinese Olympic and World champions, including original players, will go head-to-head in free exhibitions on Friday, July 8, beginning at 9 a.m. The competition will showcase exciting youth, elite and collegiate rounds, with a spectacular finale of rematches of the original games. Huiaiying Zheng and Liang Geliang will again represent the Chinese and Judy Hoarfrost and George Braithwaite, the first Americans to visit China since 1949 at the time, will represent the U.S.

Edward Nixon, the President's younger brother will play a role in the colorful opening ceremonies that will feature a U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard carrying both the American and Chinese colors, the Chinese and American National Anthems, traditional Chinese Drum Girls and Lion Dancers, as well as remarks from '71 Ping Pong Diplomacy player Tim Boggan and U.S. and Chinese officials.

To kick-off the 40th Anniversary events, the Foundation will host an All-American Welcome BBQ in the Library's East Room on Thursday, July 7 at 5 p.m. The program will feature remarks by President Nixon's brother Edward, Ping Pong Diplomacy veteran Tim Boggan, U.S. and Chinese officials, and table tennis matches between celebrities and world champions. The public is invited to attend and may order tickets by calling (714) 364-1120 or online at nixonfoundation.org.

"Ping Pong Diplomacy: The Rematch will appropriately commemorate the significant role that the sport of table tennis has played in United States—China relations," said Michael D. Cavanaugh, CEO of USA Table Tennis. "Just as in 1971 and 1972, the sport remains one of the most powerful unifiers between two great nations."

The schedule includes:

• THURSDAY, JULY 7:
  • Delegation's arrival in Los Angeles
  • 5:00 p.m. – Celebration Welcome BBQ in the East Room at the Nixon Presidential Library
    • For Tickets: Call (714) 364-1120 or go to nixonlibrary.org
• FRIDAY, JULY 8:
  • 9:00 am – An impressive lineup of table tennis matches, including rematches between the original 1971 and 1972 players in the East Room:
    • Opening Ceremonies (20")
    • Youth Competition (30")
    • Collegiate Competition (15")
    • Elite Player Competition (30")
    • Mixed Doubles Competition (15")
    • The Rematch Competition (30")
    • Exchange of Gifts between the Nixon Foundation and the Chinese Delegation
  • 1:30 p.m. – Private luncheon in honor of the delegation in the Argyros Suite (Invitation Only)
  • 7:00 p.m. – Private welcome dinner at the Chinese Consulate, Los Angeles (Invitation Only)

The Richard Nixon Foundation, a not-for-profit organization located on the campus of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda. The museum is open daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about events or exhibits, please call (714) 993-5075 or visit the Foundation online at www.nixonfoundation.org.

SOURCE Richard Nixon Foundation