On May 6, the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), welcomed the Oregon-China Friendship Pickleball Delegation to China for the 2026 China-U.S. Friendship Pickleball Event — a program that aims to carry forward the legacy of “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” and promote people-to-people sports exchanges.

The delegation attended the opening ceremony in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, where they competed alongside players from across the country. During their 12-day itinerary, the team also visited Beijing, Guiyang, and Chengdu.

The 10-member team was led by Judy Hoarfrost, a witness to Ping-Pong Diplomacy and a USA Pickleball National Champion in the senior division. The lineup also featured Wesley Gabrielson, an 11-time USA Pickleball National Champion and Pickleball Hall of Famer, along with several seasoned coaches, athletes, and college players.

The exchange echoed a historic milestone from 55 years ago. In 1971, at just 15 years old, Ms. Hoarfrost was the youngest member of the U.S. table tennis delegation to visit China. That visit marked the beginning of what would later be called “Ping-Pong Diplomacy” and helped pave the way for the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and China.

In recent years, Hoarfrost has dedicated herself to pickleball, winning a gold medal in women’s doubles (65+ division) at the USA Pickleball National Championships and becoming one of the top players in American pickleball.

During the program, players from both sides had the opportunity to form meaningful connections, laying a foundation for future people-to-people sports visits between the two countries.

The delegation visits the Great Wall.

American athlete Tanner Crandall competing in Ganzhou, Jiangxi.

Delegation members pose for a group photo at the pickleball friendship match in Ganzhou, Jiangxi.

The delegation poses for a group photo at the Shuixian Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Center in Sandu County, Guizhou.

Ms. Judy Hoarfrost gives an interview after the friendship match in Chengdu.

American players Luke Aaron and Riley Hanks compete in a pickleball friendship match in Chengdu.

The delegation visits the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.