World Tai Chi-Qigong Day is a very special event that cuts across all racial and international lines, bringing people together all around the world to share the health and happiness they have found in these wonderful arts, says Richard Jesaitis, organizer and Master of Ceremonies of the Central Park event. “It’s amazing how successful the Central Park event has become. In 2000 we had about 150 participants from about 14 schools; in 2001 we had about 300 participants from 22 schools; in 2002 we had 750 participants from 34 schools.

The Central Park event is sanctioned by the City of New York Department of Parks & Recreation and has received the blessings of New York Governor George E. Pataki, New York Lieutenant Governor Mary O. Donohue, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields.

Everyone is warmly encouraged to participate; it doesn’t matter what style of Tai Chi or Qigong, everyone is welcome. Our goal is to make the Central Park event one of the best in the North East United States.

The Central Park event has been covered by Fox 5 Television’s Good Day New York and New York Minute, The New York Times, the Chinese World Journal, Shape Magazine, and the Traditional Chinese Medicine World newspaper. The event was also photographed for use as a backdrop in a Puma catalogue for a new line of martial arts oriented sports apparel.

CENTRAL PARK SCHEDULE
Participate in New York City Central Park’s Annual World Tai Chi-Qigong Day Event the last Saturday in April.

9:30 - 9:45 AM – Assembly – Tai Chi and Qigong practitioners assemble in a large formation by group facing south.

10:00 - 10:30 AM – Mass Demonstration – Beginning at the stroke of 10:00 AM, all Tai Chi and Qigong groups simultaneously perform their key forms, exhibiting all the different styles.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM – Special Demonstrations – Selected teachers and advanced students demonstrate many seldom-seen advanced forms, traditional weapons and special techniques.

12:30 - 12:45 PM – Communication – Interviews and open communications between news media, guests and participants.

12:45 - 1:00 – Cleanup