11th Annual Thanksgiving Ping Pong Tournament Recap

A Celebratory Day of Community, Competition, and Connection

The Chinese Culture Connection (CCC) proudly hosted the 11th Annual Thanksgiving Ping Pong Tournament on November 8, 2025, at the Malden High School gym. This year’s event brought together 50 teams, 21 tables, and players ranging in age from 6 to 86—an incredible 80-year span that highlighted the tournament’s inclusiveness, intergenerational spirit, and deep roots in the Greater Boston community.

Event Overview

For more than a decade, the Thanksgiving Ping Pong Tournament has grown into one of CCC’s most beloved traditions, welcoming players of all backgrounds and skill levels. Competitors were placed into six divisions—Open, Advanced, Intermediate, Recreational, Student, and Senior—each contributing to a lively and spirited atmosphere throughout the day.

As in previous years, the Open and Student Divisions featured several high-rated athletes who delivered fast-paced, competitive matches from the very start of the tournament. Spectators watched dynamic rallies unfold across multiple tables, showcasing the strength and dedication of the local ping pong community.

Tournament Highlights

A Heartwarming Ending

The top-tier divisions once again impressed with their intensity and athleticism. High-level players in the Open and Student categories captivated the gym with long rallies, powerful spins, and razor-sharp precision.

Standout Performances

One of the most delightful surprises came at the end of the tournament: the Recreational Division became the final group still competing. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and determination kept the energy high well into the afternoon. In a memorable moment, Mayor Gary Christenson stepped in as a referee—adding fun, joy, and community spirit to the closing matches.

Division Champions

Recreational Division

1st Place: TTOF AJJW
2nd Place: GMAACC一队
3rd Place: TTOF爱乒敢赢

Open Division

1st Place: Power Dive Boys
2nd Place: Newtonian Sidespin Alpha
3rd Place: BTTC Open

Student Division

1st Place: BTTC Youth
2nd Place: Malden High 1
3rd Place: Mastiff Spin

Senior Division

1st Place: CCCC老牛队
2nd Place: Maugus TT
3rd Place: CCCST

Advanced Division

1st Place: 台山文华雅诗酒店
2nd Place: TTOF Fearsome Foursome
3rd Place: TTOF 航天挥剑

Intermediate Division

1st Place: 牛顿中文BCEC
2nd Place: First Responders
3rd Place: TTOF New Players

A Cherish Community Tradition

Over the past eleven years, the Thanksgiving Ping Pong Tournament has evolved into a meaningful Greater Boston tradition that connects generations, strengthens community bonds, and celebrates cross-cultural exchange. Through the joy of friendly competition, this event continues to foster wellness, belonging, and shared pride in our diverse community.

CCC sincerely thanks all players, volunteers, families, sponsors, and partners for contributing to another successful tournament. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 12th Annual Tournament in 2026!

Thank You To Our Partners and Sponsors

This year’s tournament was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of:

City of Malden
Malden High School and the dedicated students of the Malden High Ping Pong Club
American Youth Table Tennis Organization New England (AYTTO)
Greater Malden Asian American Community (GMAAC) Coalition

And our sponsors:
South Cove Community Health Center, Eagle Bank, and East Cambridge Savings Bank.