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Salvation Army involvement grows from relationship with USA Table Tennis
In early October, The Salvation Army San Francisco Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center assisted Mayor Ed Lee with a table tennis event at City Hall. Staff members had the opportunity to meet the Chinese Consulate General, members from the U.S. and Chinese Olympic teams, and of course, the Mayor.
“The Kroc Center is excited to work with the Mayor’s office, and propel the sport of table tennis,” said Kroc Center Athletics Coordinator Jesse Brown.
Brown said that for the past six months, the Kroc Center has developed a relationship with USA Table Tennis (USATT). The organization has donated gear and put the Kroc Center in contact with other partners, who, in turn, have accelerated the center’s program.
“When Gordon Kaye, the CEO of USATT reached out and asked if we could provide two table tennis tables and some equipment for an event Mayor Ed Lee was holding, I of course obliged,” Brown said. “I asked if I could join the event, and lucky for us, he said yes!”
Lee hosted a meet-and-greet, gift exchange and show of diplomacy with the Chinese National Olympic team and Chinese Olympic delegation (coaches and managers). The event began in the Mayor’s conference room, where the group discussed the power of diplomacy with ping pong.
“We were lucky to have the Chinese Consulate General in attendance as well, who also mentioned the importance of these types of events,” Brown said.
After the meeting, everyone went downstairs to the tables. The Olympic teams and diplomats played against each other, and spoke to their joy of the game.
“We love the Mayor’s passion for the sport, and will continue to support his efforts,” Brown said.
Major Raymond Erickson-King and Captain Jennifer Erickson-King are Kroc Center Corps Officers.
