VIPs pose for a snapshot before nine dragons

The Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA), Sino-American Culture and Arts Foundation (SACAF) and New York Mets gave fans an evening of Chinese culture at Citi Field, the home of baseball's New York Mets on September 26th during a game Mets against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Event featured China and Chinese culture during the mid-autumn festival which considered as one of the most important Chinese holidays of the year. This was the fourth Annual “An Evening of Chinese Culture” sponsored by SAFA and SACAF with a theme of eastern culture meeting  western sports. A record nine dragons performed their ritual dance, world renowned calligraphist Master Yuan, Xikun painted an enormous horse, and a Kung Fu group appeared on field prior to the Mets-Pirates game. 

Prior to the opening ceremony, a unique, high profile VIP reception had brought together the American and Chinese business executives and community leaders to highlight the event’s impact and recognize the communities’ efforts to foster the mutual understanding between American and Chinese through the arts and culture.

Chinese artist Yuan, Xikun demonstrates traditional Chinese brush-drawing during the game

Event was greatly supported by China National Tourist Office in New York, American Chinese Commerce Development Association, Beijing Jin Tai Art Museum, China Press, China Eastern Airlines, Fujian Southeast Net, Fujian Association, American Fujian Association of Commerce and the Chinese Communities of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.The executive representatives from these organizations attended the opening ceremony. Chinese famous artist Yuan, Xikun demonstrated with a traditional Chinese brush-drawing before kicking off the game and Chinese ambassador Sun, Guoxiang opened the game with a ceremonial first pitch.

Ambassador Sun, Guoxiang(Left), Counsel General of Consulate General of PRC in New York; Peter Zhang (Right), President of Sino-American Friendship Association  receive Mets jerseys from Dave Howard, New York Mets Executive Vice-President (Middle)

This event was a great celebration merging Eastern culture and Western sport. Mets Baseball is the perfect platform for “An Evening of Chinese Culture” as it translates into increased understanding and friendship between U.S. and China. This event was covered by over 50 major media outlets and broadcasted in China. The event provided participants with access to a broad network of culture and business that would exemplify Chinese and American excellence in a number of disciplines.