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
- Northern Boulevard Safety Concerns Prompt Urgent Calls for Action in QueensQueens officials and residents are raising Northern Boulevard safety concerns, calling for urgent city action to address dangerous crossings and improve pedestrian protections along this busy corridor.
- Northern Boulevard Safety Concerns Spark Calls for Major RedesignNorthern Boulevard safety concerns have led community members and officials in Queens to demand a comprehensive redesign, citing unsafe conditions and a need for urgent action.
- Three New Schools Open in Western Queens Amid Ongoing Classroom OvercrowdingThree new schools have opened in Western Queens, giving some relief in classroom overcrowding, but families still face capacity challenges and tough implementation issues this fall.
- Certified 9/11-Related Cancer Cases Double at Northwell HealthNorthwell Health has seen a sharp increase as certified 9/11-related cancer cases double, transforming care for survivors and responders in the New York region.
- Long-Term Health Effects Linked to 9/11: 25 Years LaterThe 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks brings renewed focus to long-term health effects linked to 9/11, with ongoing needs for survivors, first responders, and affected communities.
Old RIOC, New Lawyer
President Jones has become better at saying RIOC cares.
