Thirty Montgomery County students traveled to China in 2025 for a pickleball tour and cultural exchange that included Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing. But Pickleball Diplomacy has become much more than just one trip.

MCPS Systemwide Athletics Director Dr. Jeff Sullivan wrote a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping after the exchange, and Xi responded with a letter of his own, noting that young people in both countries are critical for the future relationship between the United States and China.

As a new school year begins, Chinese students will be making the trip to America, participating in a Pickleball Diplomacy of their own near the nation’s capital.

Pickleball Diplomacy can be expanded into other sports and between other countries. Montgomery County Public Schools hopes to build countless friendships and bonds across the world.