Culture

Ping Pong makes the world go ‘round: Evening of Champions

We amateurs call it ping pong. Have you got the wicked nastiest table tennis skills since Forrest Gump laced ‘em up, but didn’t quite make the 2008 Olympic team? Well, I’m happy for you that you’ve got game and I’m here to let you in on a secret.

I know where you can go Friday, August 8, 2008, to hang with actual former local Philadelphia Olympians to watch the Beijing Opening Ceremonies broadcast on big video screens at 8:00 pm. There might even be a few other near-Olympians like yourself, and probably lots of never-had-a-chance of becoming Olympians.

It all goes down beginning at 5:30 pm in Philadelphia’s Chinatown on 10th Street between Arch and Race Streets. Of course, it’s free and open to the public. This ‘street fair’ style celebration will honor the spirit of The Olympics, the excitement of the Games, and showcase the tradition and culture of China. Olympic sports will be demonstrated by others (like you) with the mad skills to do it right.

Bring your table tennis paddle and they might ask you to join in. I actually have no idea if they’ll want you or not. I just said that for effect. These things are planned out way in advance and if you’re not on the roster yet – be prepared for disappointment.

Need more information because you can barely keep from careening around the living room from all the excitement? Click here, but calm down before you strain something.

Maybe you don’t have the time or a big enough spoon to dig all the way through to China in time for the Olympics but the Evening of Champions would be one of the excellent things to do in Philadelphia instead.

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