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
- Roosevelt Island Fourth of July: Local Reflections on the 250th Independence DayDiscover how Roosevelt Island celebrated the Fourth of July for the nation’s 250th Independence Day, with local stories, citywide traditions, and reflections on neighbors and community.
- Roosevelt Island July Heatwave, Energy Projects, and Community HighlightsRoosevelt Island July heatwave, community stories, energy projects, and citywide celebrations all shape life on the island during early summer.
- How Roosevelt Island Residents Stay Cool and Connected During Summer HeatwavesDiscover how Roosevelt Island residents stay cool and connected during summer heatwaves while navigating city life, power challenges, and neighborly moments.
- Queens Public-Safety Incidents and July 4th Events Ripple Across Roosevelt IslandQueens public-safety incidents this week echoed across Roosevelt Island, with emergency responses, community events, and July 4th celebrations shaping the city’s rhythm.
- Queens Crime Headlines and Community Responses: Roosevelt Island’s ConnectionsQueens crime headlines and community responses have shaped recent conversations from subway stories to neighborhood events. Here’s how Roosevelt Islanders are affected and how the borough is responding.
A Job With a Predictable Ending
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