Montgomery County Public Schools has announced the continuation of its internationally recognized Pickleball Diplomacy initiative in 2026, with two major cultural exchanges aimed at strengthening educational and people to people connections between the United States and China.
The 2026 program will begin with MCPS hosting a delegation from Shanghai from February 5 through February 7, followed by an MCPS delegation traveling to China from February 13 through February 24. During the return trip, student and staff ambassadors will take part in educational, athletic, and cultural exchanges in Shenzhen, Shangyou, Hebi, and Beijing.
The MCPS delegation will include 45 ambassadors, made up of 31 new student participants, seven returning student ambassadors, and seven adults. A notable aspect of the 2026 exchange is that it will take place during the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, one of the most culturally significant times of the year in China. MCPS officials say participating during this period offers a rare opportunity for students and staff to engage with Chinese communities during a time centered on family, reflection, and renewal.
“This initiative is about much more than sports. It is about building friendships, fostering understanding, and connecting young people one relationship, one rally at a time,” said Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan, Pickleball Diplomacy leader and MCPS Director of Systemwide Athletics. He added that being welcomed during the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival represents a powerful symbol of mutual respect, cultural appreciation, and shared humanity.
Pickleball Diplomacy builds on a successful inaugural year for the program. In April 2025, MCPS led its first delegation to China, launching the initiative through shared pickleball activities, school visits, and cultural dialogue. That exchange was followed by MCPS hosting students and educators from Shenzhen in August 2025, further strengthening partnerships and student to student connections.
The initiative gained international attention in July 2025 when Chinese President Xi Jinping officially acknowledged Pickleball Diplomacy in a reply letter, citing the program as a meaningful example of grassroots engagement and mutual understanding between the two nations.
As part of the upcoming exchange, MCPS will host an official media event on February 2, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Dill Dinkers in Rockville. The event will preview the 2026 exchanges and feature student ambassadors, program leaders, and pickleball demonstrations.
In advance of the February trip, student ambassadors are participating in pickleball training sessions and structured cultural learning activities designed to prepare them both athletically and culturally, while also building strong relationships within the delegation. Media representatives are invited to attend select practices, learning sessions, and exchange related events.
