He lived a life few could imagine. Now, his legacy will help others attain their improbable dreams. Born in Guyana in 1934, George Braithwaite (pictured) never met a sport he couldn't master. Although he won multiple track and field medals at the 1958 Caribbean Games, Braithwaite preferred to hit a ball with a flat bat. At first, this peculiar penchant was sublimated through the game of cricket, favored throughout the British Commonwealth which included Guyana until 1966. By the time an independent Guyana raised its flag, however, Braithwaite had already moved to New York. There, working for the UN, Braithwaite found the flat bat for which he was destined. Playing on a ping-pong table in a break room, Braithwaite found his calling. Despite picking up the game in his thirties, an age by which many Chinese pros have already retired, Braithwaite rapidly rose in the rankings. The rest, as they say, is history. In 1971, "Chief" (as Braithwaite had become affectionately known) was selected to represent the USA at the World Championships in Nagoya, Japan. While Braithwaite was already familiar with international diplomacy from his UN days, he and the rest of Team USA forever changed Sino-American relations as part of the "Ping-Pong Diplomacy" goodwill tour. While this was enough to cement his legacy in the USA Table Tennis Hall of Fame, Braithwaite was just getting warmed up. Braithwaite stayed active until his death in 2020, winning 70 titles at the US Open alone. Now, Braithwaite's life and legacy will be permanently honored in his adoptive home of Roosevelt Island, New York. There, three concrete tables will be installed for public use in Capobianco Field. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 23 will be a real party, with poetry, music, dancing and refreshments. (Space is limited, however, so you must RSVP.) The ceremony was spearheaded by Thomas Hu, head of the nonprofit American Youth Table Tennis Organization (AYTTO), whose mission is "Serving girls and boys in urban communities." "Braithwaite gave everything he had, using the sport of table tennis to foster peace, diversity and equity," said Hu. "We need to keep his torch lighted to continue the work he started." In addition the permanent outdoor tables, the AYTTO will also honor Braithwaite's legacy by sponsoring The George Braithwaite Community Service Award. This $5,000 scholarship will help a high school senior from the AYTTO program earn a college degree or other professional certification. For generations to come, kids will play at the outdoor tables in Roosevelt Island. Some will undoubtedly join the AYTTO, and may receive the scholarship bearing the same name as the tables: George Braithwaite. Some may even go on to careers in diplomacy, whether through ping-pong or more conventional channels. In any case, they will make friends while staying healthy, which may just be the best way we can hail the Chief.

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