United by Ping Pong, These Players Find Community in a New York Park | Short Film Showcase

[@NatGeo]

Outdoor ping pong tables, set up in the heart of New York City, are welcoming players from all walks of life. To learn more, read on here: on.natgeo.com/2QfZA8h

[@bridge4]

Awesome mini doc. Halfway in, and this is great

[@NewEnglandViews]

Reminiscent of how folks come together in the inner-city basketball courts.

[@AJXLP1]

Music @ 5:15 , 8:49 ?

[@1BurgerPlease]

Incredible story!

[@heeeeyjai]

National Geographic this was absolutely beautiful, thank you!

[@ricardomijares3078]

Nonchalant dude who paid for it doesn't tell anyone and still shows up to play. Respect.

[@OgonoArtFamily]

"If you change the way you think, you can change your behavior", POWERFUL.

[@fredericphilippi8062]

Ogono Art Family bro, your profile pic looks great!

[@Jerome4277]

Who knew a ping pong documentary would make me teary .

[@davidbuddcmt]

Evans Cheuka I was thinking the same thing. Who’s cutting onions!??

[@Litazz81]

Me too💜

[@mgalarzasoto]

Must be some kind of logarithm

[@croz23ity30]

Definition of Magic

[@Afiso]

If you think of all the hate, killing, greed, racism and big different between rich and poor. Yes i had some tears to see that some of us can still be one.

[@propelchakma2052]

You go around youtube videos and finally glad that 16 mins of you life wasn't wasted. Nice one.

[@morningbear3794]

Propel chakma get outside walk along a road there is alot to see out there

[@AdninKassim]

yup...indeed....not wasting any second...respect to all of you...

[@wallygreennyc]

So glad you liked it!!

[@Chardonneh]

Totally, smiled all the way through too. Needed to smile today...

[@cattsmahal1005]

“I change the way I think, therefore I change the way I behaved”. Wow! Great advise.

[@Live-Life-Freely]

You are not your thoughts.

[@JR-ch8rt]

"If you are so smart why can't you be happy"

[@JoeARedHawk275]

Juan Romero That’s basically saying “If you are so stupid, why can’t you be angry?” Sounds like it could be a good saying, until you read a second time

[@JR-ch8rt]

Says you? Joe A.

[@Live-Life-Freely]

tHE SMARTER YOU THINK YOU ARE THE LESS ENJOYABLE LIFE BECOME. yOU SEE HOW DUMB i AM i DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO USE CAPSLOCK PROPERLY.

[@tanjaridder8277]

Not gonna lie, you killed it Nat Geo with this short. Great job.

[@tippitytop]

Truly

[@safrigmius]

This is a prime example of what America can be all over if people could just get along. So heartwarming and encouraging

[@batman_2004]

So true.

[@FP19487]

It already is that place. Few extremists doesn’t represent everyone.

[@ApriliaRacer14]

Alex Delikat It starts with turning off the tv, putting mobile phones and going outside.

[@safrigmius]

@@ApriliaRacer14 you're living in a fantasy world if you think everyone in America gets along like the folks in this video

[@princessofnada87j25]

Everyone super touched by this like it only happens there. Look around there is goodness and union.

[@christianschlüter-b5g]

come from Cologne, Germany. I was in NY for a week and played ping pong here. It was great. The people are incredibly nice. I often think back to the games. May God protect them all.

[@BD-zg7is]

All it took was two ping pong tables to build such a wonderful community. Awesome stuff what a great video

[@user-me8hy8ew4o]

@@deenostar3367 Yeah right! But they won't be able to stop us. With our free minds we will change the world. We will have ping pong tables in every country available for everyone! The government will fear us.

[@kchididdy]

@@user-cp9id1mj8b No top government official cares nor thinks about a ping pong table at a park. Things like this tend to get shutdown by regular people like you and me -- people who don't believe in sharing experiences with one another and exploring the potential of humanity. It tends to be those who are for total free market capitalism, social darwinism, and harsh survival mentality that consistently put a damper on organic things like this. For example, if these tables were to be shutdown, it will be because someone goes to city hall and complains. They might come up with a bogus excuse that the officials cannot defend without spending a great deal of time and money. How many right wing wackos do you see at these ping pong tables?

[@sirzebra]

@D V You are sick indeed, but that sickness comes from you and you alone. You shoudl start refusing to be the slave of your own hatred before you spew such nonsense at others.

[@wallygreennyc]

Yep you the simplest things can make a huge difference! glad you liked our film! Wally Green

[@anakinskywalkerrr]

Omg, I never thought it will be one of the best short films I ever watch. Really Awesome story, almost too good to be true.

[@rastajuan7]

Agree whit you, short but fully emotional.

[@wallygreennyc]

Its very very true glad you liked it!! Wally Green

[@OverwhelMinGJing]

I used to hangin out and chillinm in Byrant Park and I clearly remembered the Chinese guy Tony and other players! Big bless to all of you guys!

[@CS..2]

What a beautiful sentiment BICKDIGJAGUAR

[@propane718]

That name though lmao

[@sozusagenMabaru]

Dude if I would live in New York City, seeing this would make me go there like the next day.

[@mugensamurai]

It wasn't about the ping pong the whole time. It was actually a community.

[@Red4350]

yeah I agree but it was ping pong that introduced them to one another...there has to be some collective interest to make a community closer

[@ipolzaki6314]

Ping-pong brought me a lot closer to my Dad who i didn't grew up with. Love the story.

[@JonathanSanchez-hh1ny]

Good to hear that.. Keep it up..

[@wallygreennyc]

Wow that super kool! Thanx for the love! Wally Green

[@ALSPEHEIR]

The 70+ yo grampa with a mean backhand is my favorite. That guy is pure anger towards that small ball lol

[@mg659er]

He will kick you 27 times in the face before you know what happens.

[@genericdeveloper3966]

If you think he is a ball buster wait till you meet his wife. BUH-ZING

[@soldado23]

I play just like him hahahahaha

[@wallygreennyc]

Hes a super funny guy too love him! Knew him for more than 10 years! Glad you liked our film ! thanx for the love!! WallY Green

[@benrifkin1981]

Went to NY on vacation 6 months ago and LOVED playing with Sergio. Great place. Much love from NC!!

[@quadairsoft3160]

Ben Rifkin really u played there

[@cileft011]

the parallels between the young guy... a former gangster turned ping pong pro... and the older guy who became homeless but ultimately found a job and a community with the ping pong players idk i found that connection very beautifully poetic

[@wallygreennyc]

Glad you liked our film! Wally Green

[@funny-video-YouTube-channel]

Looks like a group of people who found *purpose and social connection in the game.* Such things make life more fun !

[@kachiko6874]

I'm 13 years old now and a table tennis player. I want to play in the world competitions but now I watched this I think I want to play with these guys first. They were so kind and good.

[@kachiko6874]

Hello 13 year old me! I just want to say that you just quit Table Tennis and having existential crisis.

[@-boost-]

when the guy said "if i didnt have this i wouldnt even know where to go" i felt that

[@howiez9790]

This is so full of humanity. The simple fact that people come together to play ping pong at the beginning and then make connections and friends who change their lives forever is beautiful. Big cities might be exciting, but they sure are lonely at the same time. This tiny ping pong table and street park provide a sense of belonging for those who come and stay.

[@Val-rq4xg]

It’s a very hopeful video, so beautiful

[@MrBluoct]

Val val 🤙

[@anakLA]

I watch this video at least twice a year for years now...because I hope one day I can be a great story teller like you guys involved in this.

[@89nekkoinu]

this is beautiful. if only other city start to invest in community gathering like this

[@FP19487]

Would have been better if the neighbourhood itself does it, like this one. They know their own community.

[@genericdeveloper3966]

If people have savings they can invest themselves. Problem is most of us in America spend everything we earn on stuff

[@wallygreennyc]

I so glad everyone loves our doc thank you guys really appreciate the love!! Next coming soon my doc about my ping pong diplomacy to North Korea!

[@powderedtoastfacekillah734]

Hey you’re the guy! Much respect bro ✊🏾

[@darkside-bf4jm]

Respect to the guy who traded in his 6 guns for a ping pong paddle.

[@martinendersby5330]

I mean economically speaking that's a terrible deal hahaha

[@user-mn7uw2li3i]

But emotionally speaking it is a big step for a change.

[@JR-ch8rt]

And of course, outrageously speaking I just wanted to keep it going.

[@mg6192]

more like 1000 ping pong paddles

[@antoniomargallo5317]

If you believed that ... I've got a tower in Italy that I could sell to you. She's a little crocked but I think you'll love it.

[@3rdrockfromthesun23]

Australia calling...brilliant. Love ping pong too, this is now on my bucket list, pilgrimage to New York City to play table tennis!!

[@filip-kresimirsaric8975]

Yup Croatia here, doubt ill ever be in nyc but if i will im gonna play on that table, my favourite is winner stays

[@brandon_evs]

Same here mate, I reckon it would be amazing to chat with these people :)

[@knightfox1461]

No. Leave the place alone and don't chase the homeless away by going there

[@wallygreennyc]

when you are here hit me up! Glad you liked our film! Wally Green

[@milkpickle123]

Absolutely loved watching this. Their relationships reminded me of the relationships I had while serving in the military...we were all different but we were family. I have yet to find those types of bonds since being out of the military.

[@equinoxgamer6900]

@meaturama You are seriously messed up -_-

[@jkphilosophy101]

@meaturama They drop one bomb every twelve minutes and are waging war against 76 countries. From 2003, 70,000 bombs were dropped by a single President. The President after that dropped a 100,000 bombs and Trump dropped 44, 000 in his first year. That's 120 a day 1 every twelve minutes... "Military!"

[@arifigo1006]

Im sure after this video there is many new yorkers come to this place to play ping pong. I hope the original member of this community didnt leave the community by the sudden many strangers come.

[@plus315]

Things are not like they used to be, for many of us.

[@takeit1229]

Doc's been out for a week, even if more people show up if they're not committed they'll leave soon after.

[@wallygreennyc]

The community of people you saw in the film is still at the park today! Glad you liked our film!

[@realballersnab8661]

Hope to get a game with you guys one day

[@jesntamayo]

Well done National Geographic! Thank you for this short documentary I am able to see people with different nationalities and backgrounds gather together for sports. I almost cried.

[@Red4350]

i cried or teared up w.e its' called

[@yongminkim6544]

Saw this once... then I found this gem again. So touching and heart warming!

[@himanshuherma9543]

world really needs this type of gatherings to bring back peoples from virtual world of internet to real one ✌🤘 Good vibes 😊

[@sexyaki704]

So truly said. I agree 100%

[@modernmogli230]

Yes specially kids

[@sickoset]

I come back to this video every year out of love for these people and ping pong.

[@elven6148]

My dad plays there quite often, it's free and quite chill. Interesting to see it covered on NatGeo!

[@engr.nnoromokechukwuchukwu7369]

pls tell ur dad that he has showed me something n i cnt ever forget in maintaining that table community...always go there and snap him and the rest of the family some photograph n share with me...God bless you

[@bhuumiinc316]

In life when you give and not expect anything in return is absolutely beautiful!!!! Great to see guys just playing and having fun....

[@engr.nnoromokechukwuchukwu7369]

this is what life is suposed to be....ireeespective of our background ..ethnicity..religion.....colour...we r all meant to love one another...

[@MARTYMEINEKE53]

Being from New York this is the best video yet. It explains how no matter the color of our skin or what we believe, we can always find common ground. Respect to everyone.

[@anneargo-davies692]

This is the definition of what USA is, people from different places in life, with a common goal, not realizing that they have made the world a better place. Much love and respect.

[@oguztokur3673]

Yeah and destroying countries for oil.and bullying others with no oil for just fun

[@TheChenchen]

You sure it ain't lie cheat and steal?

[@optimusprime5446]

Oğuz Tokur He was talking about the *people* of the US

[@littlegothgirl8869]

@@optimusprime5446 to be fair the post does say "the definition of the USA". That would comprise of more than just it's citizens and people have different definitions of what the USA represents.

[@littlegothgirl8869]

This idea of a melting pot of people within communities that can come together and embrace each other is what many Americans grew up with and hold dear. To burst that idealistic bubble though, the US can only improve if we fix certain things within our country and in terms of foreign relations as well. I'm glad that they can use this space as a safe place to get away from all of that. Communities like these are the real heart of America.

[@DannySims]

This video reinforces two of my strongest beliefs: 1) big cities are great. The greater the size and density, the more likely these niche communities will form. 2) no matter what you like, go find your community. And, if it doesn't exist where you are, build it.

[@linearmemories]

Danny Simard What you don't exactly see here is the reality of having that big of a community with only two tables. People will wait hours without getting a game in. This is a big problem in NYC in many niche communities.

[@rickburrowes]

@@linearmemories solution....more tables...

[@youtubelove826]

This was absolutely beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for connecting me to them!

[@bryb1161]

This short film was gr8! Gregore was so honest, positive, hopeful.. I really appreciate him..

[@HeROsiNhEaVeN]

A place where people put there pride, ego’s and opinions aside, where everyone’s equal and can enjoy life together.....🙏🏻

[@FOXofOJAI]

I've never seen anything like this in a sport. Absolutely incredible. The sense of community and the fulfillment it can provide for these individuals is SO moving. And to think that it's ping pong... You would never have guessed. Truly amazing. I've never been to New York City, but this alone gives me good reason to pay a visit.

[@TheTheliked]

I rewatch this every time I need a reminder that we can be a great species if allowed

[@maxtomie7252]

Spot on

[@joedwyer2313]

This made me so happy I cried. I love the nice people and the jazz music! This gives us hope for humanity and peace.

[@shafeeqahj6955]

This was truly so heartwarming to watch. Thank you for this 💜

[@NatGeo]

We're happy you enjoyed watching! If you'd like to learn more, read on here: on.natgeo.com/2QfZA8h

[@Diab74]

Really beautiful community, this is a good example of how sports bring people together

[@vgree]

Just another reason I love New York. I mean come on this is incredible. I’ve been living here for 3 years and not once have I seen this but I’m seriously about to go to Bryant Park tomorrow.

[@BaljeetSingh-qo6dq]

Vincent Greene did you go? How was it? Share your experience

[@tinjazhang4099]

Really happy seeing these people happy and enjoyable and get their peaceful time. Really really cheerful.

[@norpriest521]

Humans just underestimate themselves all the time. There are 1000 easier ways to unite with each other. We just don't break the ice

[@marencruickshank]

How can we unite?

[@amyamy2240]

That's one of my biggest problems. It gets worse if I try to search out and I'm shut out.

[@jasonsteves734]

@@amyamy2240 what do u mean mean

[@deistormmods]

@@marencruickshank Just talk to people. However humans nowadays have a humility problem.

[@jackorange1882]

@@marencruickshank By killing off all the racist people in the world. Thats the only way

[@DraganTKD]

Found this place by pure accident when I was in NYC 7 yrs ago. This video put a smile on my face. Such a wonderful positive and real place.

[@blueice472]

Another news about united by pingpong. Before this, North and South Korea pingpong player unite to be one team because of this sport too. What a great sport

[@princecharming5863]

The way the old dude hits the ball so hard makes me smile so much

[@rokkin3918]

Unexpectantly incredibly touching. What a great video/showcase!

[@Mahbu]

Blessed are the those moments where the disparate strangers come together and enjoy just a moment.

[@jasonislv823]

Where sports is the best tool to unite people from all backgrounds and everyone can put aside their troubles in life and have some real good fun. That beauty of sports.

[@jacksonshembekar2691]

I visit New York City every year for thanksgiving and I always stop by and play with these same people who are consistently there every day every year. It’s truly amazing

[@keenanburkepitts]

Me: ping pong isn’t that interesting and I’m def not gonna cry. National Geographic: hold my beer.

[@scum3112]

Keenan Burke-Pitts hold my tissue box*

[@capo75capo68]

Brought tears to my eyes. Sports bring people together

[@ilikeyoutube3142]

Simply put....WELL DONE!! This is what life should be about. Imagine how two relative inexpensive ping pong tables created a robust community of people. And they genuinely care and love each other. Loved this short film. Would give it a million thumbs up if I could.

[@wallygreennyc]

So glad you liked our film! Wally Green

[@christopherconcept926]

Just beautiful. Rare glimpse of humanity at its greatest.

[@babynewyear2934]

Nice film. Thank you god for giving these people the park, the tables, friendship, and something to look forward to.

[@izzyleicanut9190]

I’ve been watching this over and over again. Such a heartwarming tale. Great job NatGeo

[@juliooliveira7241]

I really loved this! always very interesting to get a check on somebody else's life. this is real journalism

[@wallygreennyc]

Thank you so much glad you liked it!! Wally Green

[@Chris-iw9uz]

I think I might've shed a tear from how lovely these people are.

[@euipaik1102]

It feels like a small beautiful world People have fun together Some care for each other It’s funny how such small things can bring people together like that

[@iFumoffu]

Sport, competition can be a form of enjoyment and betterment for us all. To some extent it drives us and unites us. This is beautiful.

[@tsully2874]

This made me cry...table tennis made me cry.

[@fukutaichou1903]

Omg i pray i get to visit this place and just watch and talk to these people. So much life and story in this video, and theyre all united by a game. Thoroughly warmed my heart. Bless them.

[@wallygreennyc]

When youre in Town let me know! Glad you liked our film! Wally Green

[@rundoetx]

Awesome video. This is definitely an award winner. Nice feel good piece. Thanks for posting.

[@raakoman]

One of the sweetest things I’ve seen in this day and age.

[@destroyerthethird2391]

When he said I have nowhere to go I couldn't help but tear up

[@oskar2253]

I’ve watched this video so many times over the years… every couple months or once a year, I see it recommended to me and I’ll gladly watch it again. What a beautiful short film. I wish we had a community around pingpong where I live.

[@mcf5170]

Wow it is just a matter of kind act towards others that could change anything in a good way! Awesome! I never stop believing that everybody have this soft spot of love in thier hearts! Praise be all to God! Much love fr. Philippines 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@carlomayo21]

This video just warms you inside. We can all meet at a same point despite our differences.

[@shanefiddle]

Wow. Just wow. Thank you Jon Bunning and National Geographic for putting quality films like this up for free on the internet - it makes it a better place.

[@dizzak101]

This is one of the most uplifting and beautiful documentaries I've seen on youtube. Thank you for sharing their story.

[@ibrahimsky]

Easily the most amazing video on KZbin! Beautiful! Thanks for the upload

[@desperatebrix]

Why did I cry??? I ❤️ ping pong and I love the stories of these men. So much goodness

[@wallygreennyc]

Glad you liked it! Wally Green

[@nanakwadwo9906]

First time I smiled through a whole documentary ❤️. This video is starkly heartwarming

[@ShawnLH88]

bringing all walks of life together...nobody is above or below someone else...true sport :)

[@karmacanquints4222]

Kudos to the guy who put those tables on there. The outcome is great. God bless ya brother.

[@wallygreennyc]

Thanx for the love really appreciate it! Wally Green

[@juandavidfigueroa2897]

I see these people all of the time, I’ve read their stories with my eyes. They are THE BEST people in the city because they are true to who they are.

[@2YLITE22]

You're a good guy Jon Bunning. I aspire to tell stories like this. Thank you for what you do!

[@hildegrade777]

The love of ping pong created genuine bonds of friendship. I wish them many years together.

[@jlt606]

Absolutely loved this why can't they make this a show I felt so connected to all the players stories and would love to see a tournament.

[@Red4350]

imagine an anime lmao

[@jlt606]

@@Red4350 mind blown!

[@guerrothecookout3096]

What a beautiful story of connection between complete strangers who have something in common. It shows how when we take away everything that makes us different, the similarities we have become clear. We’re all just people in the end

[@xenogenesis9635]

Couldn't stop my feel good smiles, thanks for this great video.

[@tiduat12]

The power of sport. Playing table tennis in Bryant Park is on my bucket list now for whenever I visit NYC!

[@pchu2904]

I believe you belong to a place when you find comfort. You know how all of us have this human need to "fit in". It's practically an instinct to search for somewhere you belong.

[@emitremi879]

This is so heart breaking to see people from all over the world playing together and enjoying life together. Love it ! Keep it alive !

[@bobbyhogan1823]

Best short film I’ve seen a long time.... deserves way more recognition

[@same1839]

This is why I continue to love living in NYC. The different kinds of people you get to meet on a regular basis, each with a unique story adds great perspective.

[@javierabraham6855]

Me: how can table tennis be emotional National Geographic: hold my history book

[@SkippyGustilo]

Brought a tear to my eyes. THE best thing about NYC is STORIES so unique as a COMMUNITY like this. No matter where you are from... just COME TOGETHER! BRAVO. Can't wait to come back and see them play!!! Thank you for this story!! I NEVER EVER knew that this actually existed. I'm glad I do know now.

[@saurabhbhambry]

Amazing story telling! The documentary is made with so much heart.

[@cruelcommitteetv4040]

I love ping pong hope to visit this park someday, maybe even meet some of these characters

[@AEGM935i]

I don't know how people can dislike this video is it's just people having fun and being happy.

[@itsmuimui]

really well done, beautifully told story, thank you for sharing the love and community

[@mirror2398]

this is heartwarming. this isn't about the sport, this is about life channeled thru pingpong. I love this! thank you!

[@projectconsultant7174]

@National Geographic: You guys nailed it. This was awesome, freaking awesome. Loved it. Thanks for introducing this beautiful community to the world.