The opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in China drew a record audience on television.
Two viewers who happened to have more than just a passing interest in the games were Lynnwood softball players Jerrica Kang and Kelsey Parker.
The two recently were selected to be members of a Washington state softball team that will be visiting China and Hong Kong Dec. 27-Jan. 4 as part of a cultural exchange and international competition organized by the Washington Cultural Exchange. The team will be visiting Guangzhou (Canton) and Hong Kong to play host teams and to conduct a camp for middle school students.
“Not that many people get to go to China, let alone meet people,” said Kang, who earned first-team, all-Western Conference softball honors. “I’m hoping to get a new view of the world outside of Lynnwood, Washington.”
A teammate of the Kang and Parker’s, Kelsie Mason, was part of a team that visited China and she encouraged the two to pursue the opportunity.
“She (Mason) told me that she made a lot of friends and learned a lot about Chinese culture and that she wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Parker said. “She said it was a really great experience.”
Kang, an incoming senior, and Parker, an incoming sophomore who earned honorable mention, all-league recognition, are among the best players for Lynnwood, said Royals coach Rachel Sullivan.
“They are both amazing hitters,” she said. “I’m very happy for them. What a great chance, representing the U.S. and Lynnwood High School. That’s an amazing honor.”
Both players are among the team’s fastest.
“She (Parker) was a very smart base runner,” Sullivan said. “I could always count on her to have a good at-bat.”
Kang was a co-captain and was always encouraging her teammates and was a leader in warm-ups and drills.
“She was there to win,” Sullivan said. “She made sure everyone worked their hardest to get the win.”
The cost for the trip is $2,595 and both Kang and Parker have just started to do some fundraising. The two are planning to do some joint fundraisers, including a raffle.
“I’ve never really been out of the country except for Canada,” Kang said. “I’m interested in the Chinese culture. The opportunity to go and compete in my favorite sport in China is exciting.”
Individuals or businesses who wish to donate money or items should e-mail Kang at jerrica.kang@gmail.com or Parker at parkerkp@comcast.net. Contributions should be mailed directly to the athlete but checks should be made out to the Washington Cultural Exchange. To learn more about the Washington Cultural Exchange, see www.wce.org.
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