Montgomery County Public Schools will continue its internationally recognised Pickleball Diplomacy initiative in 2026, using the rapidly growing sport as a platform to deepen educational and people-to-people ties between the United States and China. The second phase of the programme will feature two major cultural exchanges next year, further strengthening educational and people-to-people ties between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. The 2026 initiative will begin with MCPS hosting a delegation from Shanghai from February 5–7, 2026, followed by an MCPS delegation visit to China from February 13–24, 2026. The return trip will include educational, athletic, and cultural exchanges in four cities: Shenzhen, Shangyou, Hebi, and Beijing. The MCPS delegation of 45 ambassadors will include 31 new students, 7 returning student ambassadors, and 7 adults. Notably, the 2026 exchange will take place during the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival, one of the most sacred and culturally significant periods in China.
