40 years ago the world changed, for the better. Communist China cracked open the diplomatic door and the first Americans in two decades were allowed in. Sports created the opportunity – specifically ping pong (table tennis). The courage of two athletes - one from each country - in particular started the process that led to President Nixon’s historic visit a year later.

Now the San Francisco Bay Area has the opportunity to welcome a delegation of Table Tennis Champions and sports officials, including Zhang Yining (Beijing Olympic Champion) and Liu Guozheng and members of the veterans team who played in the original matches in 1971 and 1972.

Now join us to honor this amazing event in history and diplomacy through sport on July 7th at Stanford University's Maples Pavilion. Tickets available at http://www.gostanford.com/40pingpong