FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - The International Swimming Hall of Fame's 49th Annual Induction Weekend, May 9 - 12th, 2013 promises to be one of the most interesting in the history of the organization. In addition to a stellar class of 2013 led by Olympic greats Gary Hall, Jr., the weekend will a reunite American and Chinese swimmers and divers who participated in a historic cultural exchange 40 years ago, as part of President Richard Nixon's attempt to normalize relations with the People's Republic of China. The policy, which came to be known as "Ping Pong Diplomacy," played an important part not only in sports history, but world history - and the International Swimming Hall of Fame played a major role in making the exchange possible.

From May 9 - 12, nearly 200 former swimmers, divers and coaches from the People's Republic of China will be in to Fort Lauderdale to renew old friendships with the American swimmers, divers, coaches and diplomats who traveled to China in support of Nixon's initiatives in 1973. In addition to the Reunion, ISHOF will induct 3 Chinese swimmers and divers into the Hall of Fame, open a new exhibition on Chinese Swimming and Diving history, and recognize 2 pre-cultural revolution films that helped popularize swimming and diving in China with the first "Esther Awards." Named in honor of Hall of Famer and Hollywood icon, Esther Williams, these two feature films, "The Diving Girls" and "Enter the Water Dragon," for their outstanding contributions in the entertainment industry to promoting a positive image of swimming and diving in China in the 1960's. Several actors who participated in those films will receive "Esthers," our aquatic version of the Oscar, from Edward Bell who is ma! rried to Esther Williams, and who will represent her at this event.

Among credentialed media from around the world are film crews from China, Germany, and Croatia. See the attached documents for more background information, a partial list of attendees and complete schedule of events.

For more information and/or media credentials, contact Bruce Wigo at 954-559-1622.

Partial list of Friendship Through Sports Reunion Attendees

Micki King (USA) 1972 Olympic Gold Medalist, Honorary Chair (ISHOF Honoree)
James Gaughran (USA) 1973 Friendship Through Sports Tour head coach
Ingrid Daland (USA), 1973 Friendship Through Sports Tour women's coach
Karen Moe Humphries (USA) 1972 Olympic Gold Medalist
Bernie Wrightson (USA) 1968 Olympic Gold Medallist
Du Du (CHN) 1973 China National Diving Team Coach
Boxi Liang (CHN) 1980 China National Diving Head Coach
Ambassador Richard Williams 1973 US Department of State
Ambassador Nicholas Platt, 1973 US Department of State
Jan Berris, Vice President, National Committee US CHINA Relations (tour organizer)
Don Gambril (USA)1980 US Olympic Swimming Coach (ISHOF Honoree)
George Breen (USA) 1980 Olympic Team manager (ISHOF Honoree)
Dr. Sammy Lee (USA) 1948 & 1952 Olympic gold medalist (ISHOF Honoree)
Dr. Ron Obrien (USA) 8x US Olympic Diving coach (ISHOF Honoree)
Mu Xiangxiong (CHN) 1958 - 1960 World Record Holder (2013 ISH! OF Inductee)
Chi Lieh Yung (CHN) 1957 World Record Holder (2013 ISHOF Inductee)

Background

As the year 1973 began, it looked as though the Vietnam War would never end and the swimming became a centerpiece in the cold war rivalry between East and West. After the Mark Spitz led American swimmers won 17 gold medals and half of all medals awarded in Munich, the Soviet block petitioned the IOC minimize the importance of swimming by eliminating 8 events from the Olympic Swimming Program and downsizing the swimming stadium in Montreal to 5,000 seats.

The newly independent African nations and Soviets demanded that FINA expel South Africa and Rhodesia for their apartheid policies and because the Americans were sure to win gold in Synchronized Swimming, Yugoslavia threatened to withdraw as host of the 1st FINA World Championships unless synchronized swimming was not removed from the program.

When the Vietnam War unexpectedly ended in January of 1973, Dr. Henry Kissinger arranged to send a team of swimmers and divers to the People's Republic of China, at the specific request of Chairman Mao - an avid swimmer - to being the process normalizing relations. But this was in violation of FINA's Rule 53 - which if enforced, would have kept the USA from participating in the World Championships, as the PRC was not a member of FINA.

When the American Olympic committee refused to support the exchange, the State Department turned to several individuals, including the Hall of Fame's Buck Dawson to put together a team of athletes and coaches who accepted the consequences of a competition ban that would save face for President Nixon and Dr. Kissinger's program of cultural exchanges and foster world peace.

About ISHOF

The International Hall of Fame, established in 1965, is a not-for-profit, 501 (c) 3 educational organization located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Its mission is to promote the benefits and importance of swimming as a key to fitness, good health, quality of life, and the water safety of all adults and children.

For additional information, log onto the International Swimming Hall of Fame's website at www.ishof.org or call 954 462-6536.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 9

9:00 - 17:00
Arrive / Register / check in at the Hall of Fame
Local sightseeing, beach, museum tours, impromptu interviews and photos.
For pool swimming:
Location: Hall of Fame Pool / Ft. Lauderdale Aquatic Complex
Address: 501 Seabreeze Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954.828-4580

19:00 - 20:30
Welcome Reception - to celebrate the special exhibition opening ceremony of the 1973 swimming world and the history of the Chinese Swimming and Diving
Location: Hall of Fame Art Gallery (gift shop upstairs)
Address: One Hall of Fame Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954.462.6536

Friday, May 10

Morning: free time
Pool Hours: 8:00 am - noon
Location: Hall of Fame Pool / Fort. Lauderdale Aquatic Complex
Address: 501 Seabreeze Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954.828-4580

12:00 - 14:00
Esther Film Awards / Lunch
Water Spring and Autumn and female diving team will receive awards for promotion of swimming and diving in China
Location: Hall of Fame banquet hall
Address: One Hall of Fame Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954.462.6536

14:00 - 16:00 Discussion about the films, their significance in the development of swimming and diving in China, shared experiences - filmed interviews
Location: Hall of Fame banquet hall
Address: One Hall of Fame Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954.462.6536

18:30 - 21:30 Dinner Cruise for Chinese/USA Friendship Through Sports Reunion
Location: Bahia Mar DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Address: 801 Seabreeze Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (1 block south of the Hall of Fame)
Phone: 866-708-1590

Saturday, May 11

8:00 - 10:30 USA - CHINA Friendship Swimming Meet
Re-enactment of 1973 exchange with American and Chinese swimmers and divers (bring your swim suit)
Location: Hall of Fame Pool / Ft. Lauderdale Aquatic Complex
Address: 501 Seabreeze Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954.828-4580

10:00 - 12:00
Introducing the 1973 FINA World Championships
Presentation - 1973 FINA World Championships
Location: Hall of Fame banquet hall
Address: One Hall of Fame Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954.462.6536

12:00 - 15:00
Lunch - Discussion of 1973 Friendship Exchange
Keynote speaker: Former U.S. diplomat Nicholas Platt (US Liaison office, Beijing 1973)
Reunion: Introduction & Recognition of the participants of the two countries in the 1973 - 1980 exchanges and exchange souvenirs
Location: Hall of Fame banquet hall
Address: One Hall of Fame Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954.462.6536

18:00 - 19:00
Cocktail party (gorgeous dress)
49th Annual ISHOF Induction Dinner Reception
Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach - Bahia Mar Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
Address: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954.764.2233

19:00 -22:00
Dinner (gorgeous dress code) - The 49th Annual ISHOF Induction Dinner / Ceremonies - Recognition of 1973-1980 Friendship Through Sports and 1st FINA World Championship Participants and 2013 Honoree inductions
At the same location: Fort Lauderdale Beach - Doubletree by Hilton Hotel

Sunday, May 12

9:00 - 10:30
ISHOF's Oceanside Memorial Service followed by ½ mile Ocean Swim
Fort Lauderdale Beach in front of the Hall of Fame
Location: Hall of Fame Fort Lauderdale Beach

11:00 - 13:00
Farewell Brunch/Dim Sum
Location: Hall of Fame banquet hall
Address: One Hall of Fame Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954.462.6536