As reported in Caribbean Life, Roosevelt Islander, the late George Braithwaite, was honored in the dedication of three table tennis tables in Capobianco Park. The ceremony took place on October 23rd.
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Honoring Table Tennis Legend, Roosevelt Islander George Braithwaite
“This was a man who played for Prime Minister Chou-in-Lai and Chairman Mao-Tse Tung of the People’s Republic of China and President Richard Nixon, as part of the so-called ping pong diplomacy in 1971 that helped put an end to the international isolation of China, thereby changing the course of history.”
Ten-Pow, former president of the UN Tennis Club, Quoted in Caribbean Life
(The Roosevelt Island Daily thanks Sylvan Klein for reporting these stories.)
“George was an outstanding table tennis player, but we’re also honoring his memory here today because he was an outstanding human being,” Ten-Pow added.
Although we reported this ceremony earlier, for reasons known only to them, RIOC neither acknowledged the event nor the dedication.
Coincidentally…
Klein also dug up an intriguing article from the New York Times. From 2010: Open & Shut, Chronicle of a Changing City.
The opening piece reports on Braithwaite’s visit to Sportspark and how the Hall of Fame table tennis legend showed off his skills. A pioneer, he’d lived on Roosevelt Island for 35 years at the time.
Equally attention getting, the “Shut” part noted that, in five days, the original Roosevelt Island Tram would shut down for a near complete rebuild.
Just for fun, a trip you will never take… crossing over to Roosevelt Island on the original Tram…
Also from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- How Roosevelt Island Reflects a City on the MoveDiscover how Roosevelt Island reflects a city on the move, capturing the currents of New York through neighborhood routines, sports celebrations, and community moments.
- Keeping Steady Through City Currents: How Roosevelt Island Residents Stay ConnectedNew York’s shifting news often impacts daily routines on the island. Discover how Roosevelt Island residents stay connected through city changes and local events.
- Neighborhood Notes: Weekly Changes and Community Moments Across Roosevelt Island and BeyondNeighborhood notes on weekly changes and community moments across Roosevelt Island and neighboring areas, including emergency response, community events, new developments, and local reflections.
- Queens Neighborhood Developments Through a Roosevelt Island LensDiscover recent Queens neighborhood developments through a Roosevelt Island perspective—including local safety, rezoning, community responses, and campaign updates.
- How Community Connections Shape Daily Life Between Roosevelt Island and QueensDiscover how community connections shape daily life between Roosevelt Island and Queens, from public safety to local events, culture, business openings, and neighborhood milestones.
A Different Kind of Bet
For years, Roosevelt Island did not behave like a system constrained by limits. Internally, the budget was often treated less as a boundary and more as a reservoir to be used.
