“A game struggling for United States recognition made the national stage when President Barack Obama presented China Premier Hu Jintao with a go game set as a diplomatic gift in early November,” reported Erin Wiltgen in the Durham (NC) Herald Sun last week. “Frank Salantrie, a Carrboro carpenter, crafted the board that set the go community abuzz,” the article continues. “’The go community is crazy over this,” said Paul Celmer, chapter head of the Triangle Go Club and a member of the American Go Association’s board of directors. ‘This is the biggest thing that’s happened to us in years. We’re excited the president saw enough respect for our game, whereas most people haven’t even heard of the game.’” Update: the two stories are now in the Sun’s archives: “Local carpenter whips up a presidential gift Obama presents go board to Chinese Premier Hu Jintao” and “Game of go gets exposure” available (for a fee) here.
