Nothing had prepared the world for the startling spectacle that happened in Peking, China in April of 1971. Chinese Premier, Chou En-lai greeted the first American delegation to set foot in the ancient Chinese capital since Mao Tse-tung took control of the land 22 years earlier. After nearly two decades of hostility towards the United States, fifteen American table tennis players and three journalists had made a breakthrough of historic proportions.

In order to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and U.S., the Chinese Table Tennis Association would like to host a friendly match on Jan. 7, 2009. We wish the USATT help to see if two veteran players, George Braithwaite and Judy Hoarfrost, could come to the event. In addition, we wish to invite two young players (one male, one female) under the age of 18 to come to the event. The relevant expenses incurred from this trip will be born by the General Sport Administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People’s Republic of China. Did I wish to accept this invitation? You bet!