High school students from the U.S. state of Iowa took part in a friendly pickleball match with Chinese students on Tuesday in Beijing, bonding over an American-born sport that is quickly gaining popularity in China.
The visiting teenagers from Iowa joined students from north China's Shijiazhuang City to give their all on the court while building friendships at the University of International Business and Economics.
"I've never really played pickleball, so it'll be kind of fun to experience it. Coming to China is super cool to experience, even the flights and other people and the new culture," said Brady Scott Westergaard, a student from Iowa.
"I'm excited to see different sites. I know it's a very pretty country here. So I'm excited to see all of it," said Reagan Eileen Flemmer, another American student.
"I think the initiative is wonderful and we're very lucky to have it. So, we appreciative that your president for inviting us," said Carrigan Grace Rasmussen, another student.
The event is part of China's initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to participate in exchange and study programs. The initiative was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2023 during his visit to the United States.
This July marks one year since Chinese President Xi replied to a letter from the U.S. youth pickleball cultural exchange delegation from Maryland.
In his reply, he congratulated the teachers and students from 13 U.S. schools on their successful visit to China in April last year.
The Chinese president said he was pleased to see that pickleball has become a new bridge for youth exchanges between China and the U.S., adding that the future of bilateral relations depends on the youth.
Teachers who accompanied the U.S. students on their journey shared similar reflections, noting the importance of the exchange and expressing appreciation for the invitation.
"I think the initiative is wonderful and we were very lucky to have it. So, we’re appreciative of your president inviting us," said Laura Michelle Kelly, a teacher from Iowa.
"I think it's so valuable to learn about different cultures, to open your minds to different ways of life, and to learn different languages. As a language teacher myself, it's one of my greatest values to appreciate different cultures and to learn more about them, especially from the people who live it themselves," said Ryli Sue Davis, another American teacher.
Data released by Chinese authorities shows that, as of the end of May, more than 50,000 young Americans had already traveled to China, reaching the target two and a half years ahead of schedule.
The students from Iowa will also visit the Great Wall and travel to cities including Shanghai during their one-week stay in China.
Chinese, US students trade rallies in friendly pickleball match in Beijing
