The Chief · 1934–2020 · U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame
George Braithwaite
Born in Guyana and a longtime Roosevelt Island resident, George “The Chief” Braithwaite represented the United States in international table tennis. As a player, coach, and member of the 1971 Ping Pong Diplomacy team, he used the sport to bring people together.
Explore the legacy
Life of the Chief
The Player and Coach
Braithwaite represented the United States in more than 70 international championships. He was inducted into the USA Table Tennis Hall of Fame and received its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ping Pong Diplomacy
In 1971, Braithwaite traveled to China with the U.S. table tennis team. The exchange became known as Ping Pong Diplomacy.
Read the diplomacy storyMemories, Photos & Videos
Remember Braithwaite through personal tributes, photographs, and videos from his years in table tennis.
Roosevelt Island · October 23, 2021
A Court Named for the Chief
Friends, players, and neighbors gathered at Capobianco Field to dedicate the George Braithwaite Table Tennis Court and its three permanent stone tables. The ceremony included personal remembrances, music, dance, and poetry. PingPod coaches offered free instruction, and guests could play on five outdoor tables that day.
Thomas Hu of AYTTO organized the event, with support from JOOLA, NYTTF, PingPod, and SPIN.
View the Original Invitation