For Immediate Release:
Colorado Springs, CO October 3, 2000– USA Table Tennis, Enron, and the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) announced today the formation of the "Enron Millenium Friendship Tour". This friendly competition, to commence in China, October 6 -16, will feature USA Table Tennis’ most promising youth athletes, pitted against China’s best youth teams from four selected sports schools in Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai.
The Enron Millenium Friendship Tour will retrace elements of the historic 1971 "Ping Pong Diplomacy Tour." In 1971, America’s best table tennis athletes embarked on an historic set of friendly competitions and exhibitions in China. The event received front-page media attention around the world and opened the door for improved diplomatic relations between the USA and China. Months later, President Nixon and Premier Chou En Lai signed an historic accord, which remains the foundation for trade and diplomatic relations today.
"We are very excited about partnering with USA Table Tennis and the Chinese Table Tennis Association" said David Tagliarino, Manager, Sports Marketing, Enron. "As an American- headquartered corporation with offices throughout the world, what better way than to give our top youth an opportunity to compete against the best in the world."
"The partnership established here is a major step forward for the development of our sport," said USA Table Tennis, President Sheri Pittman. "The Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) has been very supportive and has put together a great event for USA Table Tennis and our partner Enron". "What a wonderful opportunity for our promising youth athletes to get a jump start on training for 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games," said Ben Nisbet, Executive Director, USA Table Tennis.
In addition to coordinating all the tour logistics, CTTA has already arranged for a television documentary of the event. A camera crew will follow the tour participants for the duration of the trip. The 35-minute documentary will feature competitions and track the American Youth experience against the backdrop of the Ping Pong Diplomacy Tour 29 years earlier. The documentary will air several weeks after the tour on Chinese TV and possibly in America.
For more information on the tour and its activities contact Debbie Doney, USA Table Tennis, 719-578-4583, or email usatt2@iex.net
| |
| USA Table Tennis - Serving the Table Tennis Community |
| |