About the Author: Benjamin Baird serves at the U.S. Embassy in London.

Table tennis may not be prime time viewing for all Olympics fans, as tonight’s Closing Ceremonies in London likely will be. But Team USA Table Tennis is gaining new followers by acting as ambassadors for their sport and country by playing their favorite game with kids in East London.

“There were a few players out there who could really play so that was a good surprise,” said Team USA player Ariel Hsing.

Sixteen-year old Erica Wu is the same age as many of the Tower Hamlets kids and teens she’s meeting. For the first-time Olympian, this is her chance to make an impact beyond the arena.

“It’s really great to come out and spread the sport since table tennis isn’t as popular here as in like Asia or something, so it was really fun meeting all the kids,” she said.

Some on the all-teen, table tennis team have made it to the Olympics before… more »