Author: Fort Worth Sister Cities

SISTER CITIES TO VISIT ITALY IN SEPTEMBER

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Reggio Emilia and Florence in the Fall

Participants traveling with Fort Worth Sister Cities have a unique opportunity to visit Fort Worth’s first sister city, Reggio Emilia, and then on to Florence, Italy August 28 – Sept. 6, 2015.  Join the tour and gain a personal experience of knowing the true culture and people of this unique part of Italy.  Excursions will include tours of both historical cities and many exciting activities including:

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese & balsamic vinegar factories
  • Tricolore Youth Games closing ceremony
  • Recognition at city hall in Reggio and briefing from Consul General in Florence
  • Home hosted dinners to establish meaningful relationships
  • Visit the world famous Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio

Air and land packages for the trip are $4,200 while a land-only package is $3,035. Interested participants are asked to send a $500 non-refundable deposit to Fort Worth Sister Cities by May 20 to reserve a spot. Space is limited.

For more information click here or call Fort Worth Sister Cities at 817-632-7100.

Located in Northern Italy, Reggio Emilia is considered one of the most prosperous and livable cities in Italy.  Founded in the second century B.C., the preserved Roman roads are lined with architectural marvels and elegant cathedrals. It is the birthplace of the Italian flag and home of the world famous Max Mara Italian fashion line. Its early childhood program, Reggio Children, is a model throughout the world and its municipal theatre has been named one of the best opera houses in the world.

2015-05-06 03:57

SISTER CITIES TO VISIT ITALY IN SEPTEMBER

Fort Worth, Texas – Reggio Emilia and Florence in the Fall

Participants traveling with Fort Worth Sister Cities have a unique opportunity to visit Fort Worth’s first sister city, Reggio Emilia, and then on to Florence, Italy August 28 – Sept. 6, 2015.  Join the tour and gain a personal experience of knowing the true culture and people of this unique part of Italy.  Excursions will include tours of both historical cities and many exciting activities including:

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese & balsamic vinegar factories
  • Tricolore Youth Games closing ceremony
  • Recognition at city hall in Reggio and briefing from Consul General in Florence
  • Home hosted dinners to establish meaningful relationships
  • Visit the world famous Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio

Air and land packages for the trip are $4,200 while a land-only package is $3,035. Interested participants are asked to send a $500 non-refundable deposit to Fort Worth Sister Cities by May 20 to reserve a spot. Space is limited.

For more information click here or call Fort Worth Sister Cities at 817-632-7100.

Located in Northern Italy, Reggio Emilia is considered one of the most prosperous and livable cities in Italy.  Founded in the second century B.C., the preserved Roman roads are lined with architectural marvels and elegant cathedrals. It is the birthplace of the Italian flag and home of the world famous Max Mara Italian fashion line. Its early childhood program, Reggio Children, is a model throughout the world and its municipal theatre has been named one of the best opera houses in the world.

JUDGE WILLIAM CHURCHILL OFFICIALLY REPRESENTS FORT WORTH AT ASIAN-AFRICAN CONFERENCE FESTIVAL IN BANDUNG, INDONESIA

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

The Honorable Judge William Churchill traveled to Bandung, Indonesia April 21 – 27, 2015 as the sole representative of Fort Worth and as the guest of the Mayor of Bandung, Ridwan Kamil, for the celebration and commemoration of the Asian-African Conference first held in Bandung in 1955.  Judge Churchill hand delivered a congratulatory letter and gift from Mayor Betsy Price on behalf of the citizens of Fort Worth.

Also known as the Bandung Conference, the Asian African Conference was a meeting of Asian and African states, most of which were newly independent at that time. The twenty-five countries that participated represented nearly one-quarter of the Earth’s land surface and a total population of 1.5 billion people. The conference was organized by Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and India to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and to oppose colonialism by any nation.

To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Conference in 2005, 106 countries’ heads of state and government attended a new Asian-African Summit in Bandung that yielded agreements forming a strategic partnership commitments between Asia and Africa, standing on three pillars: political solidarity, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural relations.  Conferences are now held every two years.

The 2015 conference was a significant event and Judge Churchill participated in various activities representing Fort Worth, including cultural exhibitions and performances, the Festival Parade, Festival of Nations, and discussions surrounding topics of cooperation.

Fort Worth has the distinction of being the first U.S. city to partner with a city in Indonesia. Bandung was signed as Fort Worth’s 5th official sister city in 1990. Since that time exchanges have included university-based nursing programs, educational and professional training programs in municipal waste water, security and waste management and several business connections initiated by Pier 1 Imports, Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin.

2015-05-04 02:20

JUDGE WILLIAM CHURCHILL OFFICIALLY REPRESENTS FORT WORTH AT ASIAN-AFRICAN CONFERENCE FESTIVAL IN BANDUNG, INDONESIA

The Honorable Judge William Churchill traveled to Bandung, Indonesia April 21 – 27, 2015 as the sole representative of Fort Worth and as the guest of the Mayor of Bandung, Ridwan Kamil, for the celebration and commemoration of the Asian-African Conference first held in Bandung in 1955.  Judge Churchill hand delivered a congratulatory letter and gift from Mayor Betsy Price on behalf of the citizens of Fort Worth.

Also known as the Bandung Conference, the Asian African Conference was a meeting of Asian and African states, most of which were newly independent at that time. The twenty-five countries that participated represented nearly one-quarter of the Earth’s land surface and a total population of 1.5 billion people. The conference was organized by Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and India to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and to oppose colonialism by any nation.

To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Conference in 2005, 106 countries’ heads of state and government attended a new Asian-African Summit in Bandung that yielded agreements forming a strategic partnership commitments between Asia and Africa, standing on three pillars: political solidarity, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural relations.  Conferences are now held every two years.

The 2015 conference was a significant event and Judge Churchill participated in various activities representing Fort Worth, including cultural exhibitions and performances, the Festival Parade, Festival of Nations, and discussions surrounding topics of cooperation.

Fort Worth has the distinction of being the first U.S. city to partner with a city in Indonesia. Bandung was signed as Fort Worth’s 5th official sister city in 1990. Since that time exchanges have included university-based nursing programs, educational and professional training programs in municipal waste water, security and waste management and several business connections initiated by Pier 1 Imports, Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin.

Youth Ambassadors Travel to Hungary and Italy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Goodwill ambassadors travel to two Sister Cities

In March, 24 students and leaders are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Budapest, Hungary and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

“International exchanges give students possibly their first opportunity to travel abroad, which is almost always described as a life-changing experience. These exchanges improve their future prospects and give them a level of access and learning not available through tourism. Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Sister Cities.

The youth of Fort Worth benefit from a global education.  They learn leadership, communications, teamwork and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of other cultures. They receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S. which enhances their college and career opportunities.

The Budapest group is planning to visit several cultural attractions including Hero’s Square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, as well as several schools where they will be hosted and meet Hungarian students. The Reggio group will experience home stays, visit schools and share their culture with other students. They will also visit Florence and Venice.

2015-02-16 04:29

Youth Ambassadors Travel to Hungary and Italy

Goodwill ambassadors travel to two Sister Cities

In March, 24 students and leaders are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Budapest, Hungary and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

“International exchanges give students possibly their first opportunity to travel abroad, which is almost always described as a life-changing experience. These exchanges improve their future prospects and give them a level of access and learning not available through tourism. Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Mae Ferguson, President/CEO of Sister Cities.

The youth of Fort Worth benefit from a global education.  They learn leadership, communications, teamwork and problem solving skills, as well as an understanding of other cultures. They receive training to become citizen diplomats representing the U.S. which enhances their college and career opportunities.

The Budapest group is planning to visit several cultural attractions including Hero’s Square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, as well as several schools where they will be hosted and meet Hungarian students. The Reggio group will experience home stays, visit schools and share their culture with other students. They will also visit Florence and Venice.

U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN GRANGER WINS GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Sister Cities Announces First Global Awards Recipients 

Chaired by former Mayor Kenneth Barr, the selection committee of Fort Worth’s first Global Awards, bringing recognition to Fort Worth as an international city, were announced today.  The recipients include:

THE GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD

U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger

THE GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD

Black Ecumenical Leadership Alliance

THE GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

The inaugural Global Awards honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to global understanding, world political stability and international trade to solve health, economic, social or environmental challenges.

Congresswoman Kay Granger will be presented the Global Impact Award at the Mayor’s International Dinner April 16, 2015 in recognition of her efforts to support and promote Fort Worth abroad, her international impact through her work in Congress, and her commitment to public service.

“Congresswoman Granger has been a vocal advocate in revitalizing Fort Worth and helping to make it the first class city it is today,” said Jeff King, Chair of Sister Cities’ Mayor’s International Dinner where the awards will be presented.

The Black Ecumenical Leaders Alliance will receive the Global Citizenship Award.  This award is given to organizations that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational, humanitarian or cultural initiatives.

The Global Nexus Award will be presented to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.  This award recognizes businesses that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating commerce and a healthier community for all.

“Fort Worth is an increasingly global community, and with that comes the responsibility to connect with international partners to exchange information, ideas and economic opportunity. No one is better at creating and nurturing international relationships than Fort Worth Sister Cities.”

– Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Honorary Board Chair, Sister Cities Fort Worth

2015-02-12 11:31

U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN GRANGER WINS GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD

Sister Cities Announces First Global Awards Recipients 

Chaired by former Mayor Kenneth Barr, the selection committee of Fort Worth’s first Global Awards, bringing recognition to Fort Worth as an international city, were announced today.  The recipients include:

THE GLOBAL IMPACT AWARD

U.S. Congresswoman Kay Granger

THE GLOBAL CITIZENS AWARD

Black Ecumenical Leadership Alliance

THE GLOBAL NEXUS AWARD

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

The inaugural Global Awards honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to global understanding, world political stability and international trade to solve health, economic, social or environmental challenges.

Congresswoman Kay Granger will be presented the Global Impact Award at the Mayor’s International Dinner April 16, 2015 in recognition of her efforts to support and promote Fort Worth abroad, her international impact through her work in Congress, and her commitment to public service.

“Congresswoman Granger has been a vocal advocate in revitalizing Fort Worth and helping to make it the first class city it is today,” said Jeff King, Chair of Sister Cities’ Mayor’s International Dinner where the awards will be presented.

The Black Ecumenical Leaders Alliance will receive the Global Citizenship Award.  This award is given to organizations that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth creating a positive view of the U.S. through educational, humanitarian or cultural initiatives.

The Global Nexus Award will be presented to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.  This award recognizes businesses that are connected globally and are good representatives of Fort Worth to the world creating commerce and a healthier community for all.

“Fort Worth is an increasingly global community, and with that comes the responsibility to connect with international partners to exchange information, ideas and economic opportunity. No one is better at creating and nurturing international relationships than Fort Worth Sister Cities.”

– Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Honorary Board Chair, Sister Cities Fort Worth

SISTER CITIES ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP 2015

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Michael Bennett to lead international efforts New officers  of Fort Worth Sister Cities International elected at the recent annual meeting are Board Chair, Michael Bennett of Bennett Benner Partners; Chair-Elect Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square; Secretary, Eva Bonilla; and Treasurer, Mike Thomas, Inwood Bank. New board members include: Hannah Behrens, Gary Brinkley, Veronica Chavez Law, Michael Parker, Renee Permann, Michael Jacobsson, Greg Jackson, Lu Pham, and Anette Soto. Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service. The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Phil Moroneso was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Kalkidan Alemu was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year also went to Kalkidan Alemu and Volunteer of the Year to Officer Daniel Segura and Detective Manny Reyes. Other elected members include: Development Chair, Becky Renfro Borbolla; Government Relations, Michael Hyatt; Marketing, Kara Peterson; Program & Exchanges, Dr. Staussa Ervin; At-Large members Travis DeVault, James Meintjes and Mary Jo Polidore, Bandung Chair, Nancy Lopez; Budapest, Greg Jackson; Guiyang, Renee Permann; Mbabane, Rae Hyatt; Nagaoka, Ronda Stucker; Reggio Emilia, Mark & Robin Nurdin; and Toluca, Richard Casarez and Asusena Resendiz. “We have many things to look forward to in 2015. We’re going to Swaziland, Italy and Canada; we’re welcoming Trier, Germany’s new mayor to Fort Worth; partnering with the Chamber of Commerce on a trade mission from Toluca, Mexico; and we have over 200 students going to our sister cities on educational and sports exchanges,” said Michael Bennett. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats connecting Fort Worth globally. We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about them.”

2015-01-12 08:48

SISTER CITIES ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP 2015

Fort Worth, Texas – Michael Bennett to lead international efforts New officers  of Fort Worth Sister Cities International elected at the recent annual meeting are Board Chair, Michael Bennett of Bennett Benner Partners; Chair-Elect Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square; Secretary, Eva Bonilla; and Treasurer, Mike Thomas, Inwood Bank. New board members include: Hannah Behrens, Gary Brinkley, Veronica Chavez Law, Michael Parker, Renee Permann, Michael Jacobsson, Greg Jackson, Lu Pham, and Anette Soto. Sister Cities also recognized individuals and businesses for outstanding service. The Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau was awarded the Eisenhower Award for Organizational Involvement. Phil Moroneso was awarded the prestigious Bob Bolen Award for Outstanding Board Leadership and Kalkidan Alemu was awarded the Yamagata Emerging Leaders Scholarship. Youth Volunteer of the Year also went to Kalkidan Alemu and Volunteer of the Year to Officer Daniel Segura and Detective Manny Reyes. Other elected members include: Development Chair, Becky Renfro Borbolla; Government Relations, Michael Hyatt; Marketing, Kara Peterson; Program & Exchanges, Dr. Staussa Ervin; At-Large members Travis DeVault, James Meintjes and Mary Jo Polidore, Bandung Chair, Nancy Lopez; Budapest, Greg Jackson; Guiyang, Renee Permann; Mbabane, Rae Hyatt; Nagaoka, Ronda Stucker; Reggio Emilia, Mark & Robin Nurdin; and Toluca, Richard Casarez and Asusena Resendiz. “We have many things to look forward to in 2015. We’re going to Swaziland, Italy and Canada; we’re welcoming Trier, Germany’s new mayor to Fort Worth; partnering with the Chamber of Commerce on a trade mission from Toluca, Mexico; and we have over 200 students going to our sister cities on educational and sports exchanges,” said Michael Bennett. “We do this because we’re citizen diplomats connecting Fort Worth globally. We care what the world thinks about the U.S. and we want to know more about them.”

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Selected

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Harashin Scholars in Nagaoka, Japan

Sixty-five Fort Worth students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s sister cities.

Youth Ambassador exchanges provide a global education for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, culture and arts of the country they visit. Students live with host families to develop an understanding of the culture and its traditions during exchanges that range from 9 to 14 days.

The selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and several private schools. Scholarship assistance of nearly $80,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students and teachers who will represent Fort Worth.

On exchanges students develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society. “Selection of Youth Ambassadors is a very competitive process and we feel we have an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Dr. Staussa Ervin, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities.

The 2015 exchanges are scheduled for March, June, and July to Italy, Hungary, Japan, China, and Indonesia.

2014-11-25 09:55

Fort Worth Youth Ambassadors Selected

Harashin Scholars in Nagaoka, Japan

Sixty-five Fort Worth students recently completed a vigorous selection process and have been selected to represent the City of Fort Worth as Ambassadors to Fort Worth’s sister cities.

Youth Ambassador exchanges provide a global education for students giving them the opportunity to explore history and experience languages, culture and arts of the country they visit. Students live with host families to develop an understanding of the culture and its traditions during exchanges that range from 9 to 14 days.

The selection process includes written essays, teacher recommendations, report cards and in-person interviews conducted by the teachers who lead the delegations abroad. This year’s Ambassadors represent students from FWISD, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, and several private schools. Scholarship assistance of nearly $80,000 is awarded annually ensuring a diverse group of students and teachers who will represent Fort Worth.

On exchanges students develop relationships with students from other countries and gain essential skills to be successful in a global society. “Selection of Youth Ambassadors is a very competitive process and we feel we have an outstanding class to represent Fort Worth and the U.S. next year,” said Dr. Staussa Ervin, Chair of the Programs and Exchanges committee of Fort Worth Sister Cities.

The 2015 exchanges are scheduled for March, June, and July to Italy, Hungary, Japan, China, and Indonesia.

Trinity Valley School Partners As Sister Cities Ambassador School

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Students from Toluca Mexico Being Hosted

Six high school students and a teacher from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth, hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 25 – Dec. 13.  TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities.

Trinity Valley School’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program.  “Hosting this exchange helps our students learn the value of diversity and seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer.  Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives Program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with people around the world.

The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, and cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum, and the Kimbell Art Museum.  The students will also spend time in class with Trinity Valley School students, teach some of the younger students about their culture, and take part in the school’s Trojan Outdoor Experience (TOE) program.

The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Trinity Valley School families.

The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits, and these students chose to visit Fort Worth.  Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program.

2014-11-25 09:11

Trinity Valley School Partners As Sister Cities Ambassador School

Students from Toluca Mexico Being Hosted

Six high school students and a teacher from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey Multicultural Program will spend three weeks in Fort Worth, hosted by Trinity Valley School Nov. 25 – Dec. 13.  TVS is one of several Ambassador Schools this year hosting student delegations from Fort Worth’s Sister Cities.

Trinity Valley School’s Director of Global Initiatives, Dr. Michael Roemer, has planned an enriched program.  “Hosting this exchange helps our students learn the value of diversity and seek commonalities that tie us together,” said Dr. Roemer.  Trinity Valley School’s Global Initiatives Program is committed to educating K-12 students to become aware of and engaged with people around the world.

The Toluca students will also take part in educational programs at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, and cultural tours are planned to the Stockyards, Cowboys Stadium, the Amon Carter Museum, and the Kimbell Art Museum.  The students will also spend time in class with Trinity Valley School students, teach some of the younger students about their culture, and take part in the school’s Trojan Outdoor Experience (TOE) program.

The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience for the students that will inspire global understanding. The experience will also provide opportunities for the Toluca students to learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new friendships through a home hosted experience with Trinity Valley School families.

The Toluca students must complete an international exchange as part of their graduation credits, and these students chose to visit Fort Worth.  Sister Cities will facilitate this exchange through the Ambassador School Program.

OFFICIAL DELEGATION TO TOLUCA, MEXICO TO CONTINUE PARTNERSHIP

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Delegation Led by Mayor Pro Tempore Sal Espino  to Continue Talks with Sister City Partner

Fort Worth Sister Cities is sending an official delegation to Toluca, Mexico Oct. 29—Nov. 2 to continue discussions with Mayor Martha Hilda González Calderón and other officials and business leaders. The delegation will be led by Mayor Pro Tempore Sal Espino along with Board Chairwoman, Ann Rice and Toluca Co-Chairs Richard Casarez, Asusena Resendiz, President and CEO Mae Ferguson and 20 others.

While there the official delegation will meet with representatives from Toluca regarding their aerospace industry, downtown revitalization, education and commerce.

“We are very interested in pursuing mutually beneficial programs for both Fort Worth and Toluca.  With the close proximity of Toluca, it just makes sense for us to establish more trade and commerce with this important city in Mexico,” said Espino.

Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle, high school and university partnerships; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly tourism exchanges; culture, language and mentoring programs; an engineering school intern program and joint police training programs.

While in Toluca the delegation will also experience Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world focusing on family and friends and their departed loved ones.  The group will experience an authentic celebration of this special occasion with friends from Toluca.

2014-10-21 01:44

OFFICIAL DELEGATION TO TOLUCA, MEXICO TO CONTINUE PARTNERSHIP

Delegation Led by Mayor Pro Tempore Sal Espino  to Continue Talks with Sister City Partner

Fort Worth Sister Cities is sending an official delegation to Toluca, Mexico Oct. 29—Nov. 2 to continue discussions with Mayor Martha Hilda González Calderón and other officials and business leaders. The delegation will be led by Mayor Pro Tempore Sal Espino along with Board Chairwoman, Ann Rice and Toluca Co-Chairs Richard Casarez, Asusena Resendiz, President and CEO Mae Ferguson and 20 others.

While there the official delegation will meet with representatives from Toluca regarding their aerospace industry, downtown revitalization, education and commerce.

“We are very interested in pursuing mutually beneficial programs for both Fort Worth and Toluca.  With the close proximity of Toluca, it just makes sense for us to establish more trade and commerce with this important city in Mexico,” said Espino.

Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City. Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle, high school and university partnerships; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly tourism exchanges; culture, language and mentoring programs; an engineering school intern program and joint police training programs.

While in Toluca the delegation will also experience Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world focusing on family and friends and their departed loved ones.  The group will experience an authentic celebration of this special occasion with friends from Toluca.

SISTER CITIES LEADS GROUP TO VIETNAM

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Delegation visits Vietnam on Exploratory Mission

Sister Cities’ delegates are visiting Vietnam November 6-17 on an exploratory mission to learn more about the country and to promote Fort Worth. The delegation will consist of representatives from the business, education and tourism sectors.

While there the delegation will visit Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Quang Ngai, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Special meetings will be held with the U.S. Embassy staff in Hanoi and the American Chamber of Commerce. Delegates will also meet with universities and high schools to explore partnerships that could result in student exchanges.

“Fort Worth is looking for new opportunities to connect with the world. We are not actively seeking a new sister city at this time but a city in Vietnam could be a possibility in the future,” said Ann Rice, Board Chair. “Vietnam is a growing economy rich in culture that could benefit Fort Worth residents.”

Sister Cities is partnering with Glocal Ventures, Inc. to develop this exchange. GVI hopes to impact communities in Vietnam through sustainable projects including agriculture and water, communications, economics, education, governance, medical, technology and social and civil society projects.

The delegation will be led by Ann Rice and President/CEO Mae Ferguson. Other delegates include: Mary Palko, Sister Cities International Global Envoy and local business-woman; Dr. Bonnie Melhart, TCU; Jim Lane, Attorney and former Fort Worth city council representative; Tran Trong, retired Alcon executive; Lu Pham, Attorney, Cantey Hanger; and Rick Sage, Glocal Ventures, Vietnam Director.

2014-10-21 11:30

SISTER CITIES LEADS GROUP TO VIETNAM

Delegation visits Vietnam on Exploratory Mission

Sister Cities’ delegates are visiting Vietnam November 6-17 on an exploratory mission to learn more about the country and to promote Fort Worth. The delegation will consist of representatives from the business, education and tourism sectors.

While there the delegation will visit Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Quang Ngai, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Special meetings will be held with the U.S. Embassy staff in Hanoi and the American Chamber of Commerce. Delegates will also meet with universities and high schools to explore partnerships that could result in student exchanges.

“Fort Worth is looking for new opportunities to connect with the world. We are not actively seeking a new sister city at this time but a city in Vietnam could be a possibility in the future,” said Ann Rice, Board Chair. “Vietnam is a growing economy rich in culture that could benefit Fort Worth residents.”

Sister Cities is partnering with Glocal Ventures, Inc. to develop this exchange. GVI hopes to impact communities in Vietnam through sustainable projects including agriculture and water, communications, economics, education, governance, medical, technology and social and civil society projects.

The delegation will be led by Ann Rice and President/CEO Mae Ferguson. Other delegates include: Mary Palko, Sister Cities International Global Envoy and local business-woman; Dr. Bonnie Melhart, TCU; Jim Lane, Attorney and former Fort Worth city council representative; Tran Trong, retired Alcon executive; Lu Pham, Attorney, Cantey Hanger; and Rick Sage, Glocal Ventures, Vietnam Director.

TEAMS TO COMPETE IN FIRST GLOBAL RACE IN FORT WORTH

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Funds Raised Will Benefit Fort Worth Sister Cities International Youth Programs 

Join Honorary Chair, Mayor Betsy Price and Co-Chairs, Andrea Ballard and Andrea Puente for the Inaugural Amazingly Global Race Saturday, October 4 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Sundance Square Plaza benefitting Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Teams of four will walk, run and ride to eight stations throughout downtown attempting to complete various challenges ending back at Sundance Square Plaza for an awards ceremony at 1:00 p.m.  To participate teams raise a $1,000 entry fee which is due by Friday, October 3 at noon.

Each challenge station represents one of Fort Worth’s sister city partners from China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Swaziland.   A few challenges include moving giant sushi onto a plate with chop sticks made from swimming pool noodles at the Japanese station and kayaking across the Danube (Trinity River) in Budapest, Hungary.  After teams accomplish the challenge at each station their passports are officially stamped before proceeding to the next station.

“Every city larger than Fort Worth has a sister cities program and none is more active or effective than ours.  In an increasingly smaller world, Sister Cities plays a huge role in  enhancing the image of our city abroad, helping to improve the lives of our citizens and provide global opportunities for all,” said Mayor Price.

The event is sponsored by the Bank of Texas and the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as DFW International Airport, Mrs. Renfro’s, the Fort Worth Star Telegram and INDULGE magazine along with a host of team sponsors and other supporters.  All funds raised will go towards supporting youth and education programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities.

Awards will be presented to the Grand Champion Team, Top Fundraising Team, Fastest Team, Top Fundraising Individual and Best Team Costumes.

See pictures of event…

2014-10-02 10:11

TEAMS TO COMPETE IN FIRST GLOBAL RACE IN FORT WORTH

Funds Raised Will Benefit Fort Worth Sister Cities International Youth Programs 

Join Honorary Chair, Mayor Betsy Price and Co-Chairs, Andrea Ballard and Andrea Puente for the Inaugural Amazingly Global Race Saturday, October 4 beginning at 9:00 a.m. in Sundance Square Plaza benefitting Fort Worth Sister Cities International.

Teams of four will walk, run and ride to eight stations throughout downtown attempting to complete various challenges ending back at Sundance Square Plaza for an awards ceremony at 1:00 p.m.  To participate teams raise a $1,000 entry fee which is due by Friday, October 3 at noon.

Each challenge station represents one of Fort Worth’s sister city partners from China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Swaziland.   A few challenges include moving giant sushi onto a plate with chop sticks made from swimming pool noodles at the Japanese station and kayaking across the Danube (Trinity River) in Budapest, Hungary.  After teams accomplish the challenge at each station their passports are officially stamped before proceeding to the next station.

“Every city larger than Fort Worth has a sister cities program and none is more active or effective than ours.  In an increasingly smaller world, Sister Cities plays a huge role in  enhancing the image of our city abroad, helping to improve the lives of our citizens and provide global opportunities for all,” said Mayor Price.

The event is sponsored by the Bank of Texas and the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as DFW International Airport, Mrs. Renfro’s, the Fort Worth Star Telegram and INDULGE magazine along with a host of team sponsors and other supporters.  All funds raised will go towards supporting youth and education programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities.

Awards will be presented to the Grand Champion Team, Top Fundraising Team, Fastest Team, Top Fundraising Individual and Best Team Costumes.

See pictures of event…