Chinese Athletes Visit Prescott

A dozen golfers from China visited Prescott this week experiencing Arizona cultural treasures and American college life at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univsersity.

Beijing's Shichahai Sports School, one of seven Olympic training centers in China, were special guests of the university and City of Prescott as they particpated in Embry-Riddle-Prescott Golf team's Spring Invite March 8-10 at Antelope Hills South Golf Course in Prescott.

The cultural exchange was initiated last summer when members of the Embry-Riddle Golf team traveled to Beijing for golf and a cultural experience as guests of the Shichahai Sports School.

"We are very excited to have the Shichahai Sports School joining us and thought it would be special for them to experience an American Collegiate Golf Invitational in conjunction with their cultural experience," Coach Kim Haddow explained. "We feel the international experiences for our athletes provide so many benefits, one of which is to build goodwill between our countries through golf."

"Despite the language barrier, many friendships were made between Embry-Riddle student-athletes and the Chinese team. We had such a wonderful experience in Ancient Beijing last summer, and I hope they will gain an appreciation for our lives in America and as collegiate golfers," she added.