Category: Sister City Connections

Fort Worth and Reggio Emilia Mark 40 Years of Enduring Italian-Texan Partnership

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Fort Worth Sister Cities International celebrated a remarkable milestone last week, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Fort Worth, Texas and Reggio Emilia, Italy. The anniversary celebration, held at the Bastion, brought together community leaders, founding members, and dedicated volunteers who have nurtured this special trans-Atlantic friendship since its establishment on October 29, 1985.

The anniversary event honored four decades of cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and lasting friendships between the two cities. Fort Worth City Council Member Michael Crain joined founding members of the partnership, past Reggio Emilia Committee Chairs, board members, current members, and Reggio Committee volunteers to reflect on the achievements and meaningful connections forged over the past 40 years.

The celebration featured a special performance by the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, who performed two Italian pieces in honor of the occasion, bringing the spirit of Italy to the heart of Texas. Attendees also viewed a congratulatory video message from Reggio Emilia Mayor Marco Massari, who shared greetings and reflections on the enduring bond between the two cities. PreGel generously donated authentic Italian gelato and sweet treats to the event, adding a delicious taste of Italy to the festivities.

The celebration recognized the dedication of volunteers and leaders who have sustained this partnership across generations, maintaining the vision of those who first established the sister city relationship in 1985. The event provided an opportunity to honor the founding members whose pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for four decades of collaboration, as well as the many committee chairs and volunteers who have carried the mission forward.

The Fort Worth-Reggio Emilia sister city relationship has become known for its rich cultural and educational exchanges, including the internationally renowned Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, which has influenced educators throughout the Fort Worth community and beyond. The partnership has also facilitated numerous delegations, artistic collaborations, and business connections between the two cities.

“This 40th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, but a recommitment to the future,” said Kippen de Alba Chu, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. “The relationships built between Fort Worth and Reggio Emilia continue to create opportunities for our residents to engage with the world and understand different cultures.”

Fort Worth Sister Cities International extends its gratitude to all the volunteers, committee members, community partners, and sponsors like PreGel who have contributed to making the Fort Worth-Reggio Emilia relationship one of the organization’s most vibrant and enduring partnerships.

For more information about Fort Worth Sister Cities International and the Reggio Emilia partnership, click here.

2025-10-28 02:38

Fort Worth and Reggio Emilia Mark 40 Years of Enduring Italian-Texan Partnership

FORT WORTH, TX – Fort Worth Sister Cities International celebrated a remarkable milestone last week, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Fort Worth, Texas and Reggio Emilia, Italy. The anniversary celebration, held at the Bastion, brought together community leaders, founding members, and dedicated volunteers who have nurtured this special trans-Atlantic friendship since its establishment on October 29, 1985.

The anniversary event honored four decades of cultural exchange, educational collaboration, and lasting friendships between the two cities. Fort Worth City Council Member Michael Crain joined founding members of the partnership, past Reggio Emilia Committee Chairs, board members, current members, and Reggio Committee volunteers to reflect on the achievements and meaningful connections forged over the past 40 years.

The celebration featured a special performance by the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, who performed two Italian pieces in honor of the occasion, bringing the spirit of Italy to the heart of Texas. Attendees also viewed a congratulatory video message from Reggio Emilia Mayor Marco Massari, who shared greetings and reflections on the enduring bond between the two cities. PreGel generously donated authentic Italian gelato and sweet treats to the event, adding a delicious taste of Italy to the festivities.

The celebration recognized the dedication of volunteers and leaders who have sustained this partnership across generations, maintaining the vision of those who first established the sister city relationship in 1985. The event provided an opportunity to honor the founding members whose pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for four decades of collaboration, as well as the many committee chairs and volunteers who have carried the mission forward.

The Fort Worth-Reggio Emilia sister city relationship has become known for its rich cultural and educational exchanges, including the internationally renowned Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, which has influenced educators throughout the Fort Worth community and beyond. The partnership has also facilitated numerous delegations, artistic collaborations, and business connections between the two cities.

“This 40th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, but a recommitment to the future,” said Kippen de Alba Chu, President/CEO of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. “The relationships built between Fort Worth and Reggio Emilia continue to create opportunities for our residents to engage with the world and understand different cultures.”

Fort Worth Sister Cities International extends its gratitude to all the volunteers, committee members, community partners, and sponsors like PreGel who have contributed to making the Fort Worth-Reggio Emilia relationship one of the organization’s most vibrant and enduring partnerships.

For more information about Fort Worth Sister Cities International and the Reggio Emilia partnership, click here.

International Runners From Nimes, France Join Cowtown Marathon

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

FORT WORTH, TX – Eighteen runners from Fort Worth’s sister city, Nîmes, France, will participate in the upcoming Cowtown Marathon, featuring two extraordinary senior athletes aged 81 and 82 years old.

The international delegation represents a unique cultural exchange between Fort Worth and Nîmes, showcasing the cities’ ongoing sisterhood through athletic competition. These runners will join thousands of marathoners traversing Fort Worth’s diverse urban and park routes.

The group’s participation underscores the international spirit of the Cowtown Marathon and highlights the strong bond between the two cities.

Join our Nimes Committee to help welcome them to Fort Worth. Email Beth Weibel for more info.

2025-01-23 12:57

International Runners From Nimes, France Join Cowtown Marathon

FORT WORTH, TX – Eighteen runners from Fort Worth’s sister city, Nîmes, France, will participate in the upcoming Cowtown Marathon, featuring two extraordinary senior athletes aged 81 and 82 years old.

The international delegation represents a unique cultural exchange between Fort Worth and Nîmes, showcasing the cities’ ongoing sisterhood through athletic competition. These runners will join thousands of marathoners traversing Fort Worth’s diverse urban and park routes.

The group’s participation underscores the international spirit of the Cowtown Marathon and highlights the strong bond between the two cities.

Join our Nimes Committee to help welcome them to Fort Worth. Email Beth Weibel for more info.

Elementary Students Receiving Dual Language Enrichment

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities Partners with FWISD

In June, Fort Worth will welcome eight university students and two educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico for a Dual Language Camp for Fort Worth elementary students in partnership with the Fort Worth ISD. The Toluca university students will act as international facilitators for the three-week camp June 10 – July 2 at South Hi Mount Elementary School.

This year’s camp will provide summer enrichment for FWISD students in dual language studies to increase language and literacy across the content areas. Nearly 100 students are expected to attend. The Toluca facilitators and educators are being home hosted by local families in order to give these visitors a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to the culture of Toluca, as well.

While here the group will also explore local cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Visits include the Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, Sundance Square and more.

2024-05-13 11:17

Elementary Students Receiving Dual Language Enrichment

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities Partners with FWISD

In June, Fort Worth will welcome eight university students and two educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico for a Dual Language Camp for Fort Worth elementary students in partnership with the Fort Worth ISD. The Toluca university students will act as international facilitators for the three-week camp June 10 – July 2 at South Hi Mount Elementary School.

This year’s camp will provide summer enrichment for FWISD students in dual language studies to increase language and literacy across the content areas. Nearly 100 students are expected to attend. The Toluca facilitators and educators are being home hosted by local families in order to give these visitors a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families exposure to the culture of Toluca, as well.

While here the group will also explore local cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Visits include the Stockyards, the Kimbell Art Museum, Sundance Square and more.

Emerging Leaders from Estonia Examine Municipal Leadership and Community Engagement in Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX — The Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of young professionals from Estonia to Fort Worth from Jan. 26 – Feb. 3, 2024, through the Open World program. The delegation consists of five professionals who will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator. While in Fort Worth, the COIL program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International and the City of Fort Worth.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for municipal leadership and community engagement from local leaders in Fort Worth. Activities, organized by Assistant City Manager Fernando Costa, include visits with city officials, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Near Southside, Inc., Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., Camp Bowie District, Inc., T3 Partnership, and more. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 28,000 current and future leaders from post-Soviet era countries have participated in the Open World program. Open World offers one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs to promote mutually beneficial options for depolarized engagement between future national leaders.

Founded in 1999 by Congress, COIL maintains a vast network of more than 28,000 alumni in strategic countries including Russia, Ukraine, and others in the Balkans, Caucuses, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Open World supports legislative diplomacy efforts for Members of Congress by conducting exchanges that establish lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders and their U.S. counterparts. Program participants are provided with extensive exposure to American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy, while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about Open World, please visit www.openworld.gov/.

2024-01-19 12:34

Emerging Leaders from Estonia Examine Municipal Leadership and Community Engagement in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX — The Congressional Office for International Leadership, an agency of the U.S. Congress, will send a delegation of young professionals from Estonia to Fort Worth from Jan. 26 – Feb. 3, 2024, through the Open World program. The delegation consists of five professionals who will be accompanied by a bicultural facilitator. While in Fort Worth, the COIL program participants will be hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities International and the City of Fort Worth.

Prior to their arrival in Fort Worth the participants will complete an orientation in Washington, D.C.

In Fort Worth, delegates will collaborate on best practices for municipal leadership and community engagement from local leaders in Fort Worth. Activities, organized by Assistant City Manager Fernando Costa, include visits with city officials, the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Near Southside, Inc., Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., Camp Bowie District, Inc., T3 Partnership, and more. The delegation will stay in the homes of Fort Worth residents who serve as hospitality hosts.

More than 28,000 current and future leaders from post-Soviet era countries have participated in the Open World program. Open World offers one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs to promote mutually beneficial options for depolarized engagement between future national leaders.

Founded in 1999 by Congress, COIL maintains a vast network of more than 28,000 alumni in strategic countries including Russia, Ukraine, and others in the Balkans, Caucuses, Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Open World supports legislative diplomacy efforts for Members of Congress by conducting exchanges that establish lasting professional relationships between emerging leaders and their U.S. counterparts. Program participants are provided with extensive exposure to American politics, accountable governance, and citizen diplomacy, while being home hosted by American families. To learn more about Open World, please visit www.openworld.gov/.

Official delegations from Mexico and Italy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, Texas – Visiting delegations hosted by Sister Cities

Fort Worth Sister Cities International hosted two delegations in November from Fort Worth’s sister cities Toluca, Mexico and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

While in Fort Worth, the groups visited with Fort Worth City Council members and Mayor Parker, as well as, several businesses and cultural sites to learn about Fort Worth and how to engage our cities in mutually beneficial endeavors.

Led by State Congresswoman Monica Gaytan, the Toluca delegation toured the Cultural District and Stockyards, attended the Mayor’s International Dinner in celebration of 25 years of partnership between Fort Worth and Toluca, and participated in the Dia de los Muertos Parade organized by Artes de la Rosa.

“We were thrilled to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate 25 years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before,” said Wilma Lopez, Toluca Chair.

Led by Mayor Luca Vecchi, the Reggio Emilia delegation engaged in several special interest meetings and tours with Mrs. Renfro’s, Dickies Arena, the Kimbell Art Museum, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.

“This visit to Fort Worth is just the beginning of continued growth. The business counterpart meetings created value and experience to think and grow connections internationally,” said Reggio Emilia Chair Sian Borne.

These exchanges would not be possible without the support of volunteers from our city committees. A huge thank you to the members of our Toluca Committee and Reggio Emilia Committee for welcoming our visitors with open arms.

Interested in volunteering for a committee? Email beth@fwsistercities.org.

2023-11-27 10:23

Official delegations from Mexico and Italy

Fort Worth, Texas – Visiting delegations hosted by Sister Cities

Fort Worth Sister Cities International hosted two delegations in November from Fort Worth’s sister cities Toluca, Mexico and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

While in Fort Worth, the groups visited with Fort Worth City Council members and Mayor Parker, as well as, several businesses and cultural sites to learn about Fort Worth and how to engage our cities in mutually beneficial endeavors.

Led by State Congresswoman Monica Gaytan, the Toluca delegation toured the Cultural District and Stockyards, attended the Mayor’s International Dinner in celebration of 25 years of partnership between Fort Worth and Toluca, and participated in the Dia de los Muertos Parade organized by Artes de la Rosa.

“We were thrilled to welcome our guests and show them what Fort Worth has to offer, as well as to celebrate 25 years of friendship which is something to be valued and is more important today than ever before,” said Wilma Lopez, Toluca Chair.

Led by Mayor Luca Vecchi, the Reggio Emilia delegation engaged in several special interest meetings and tours with Mrs. Renfro’s, Dickies Arena, the Kimbell Art Museum, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.

“This visit to Fort Worth is just the beginning of continued growth. The business counterpart meetings created value and experience to think and grow connections internationally,” said Reggio Emilia Chair Sian Borne.

These exchanges would not be possible without the support of volunteers from our city committees. A huge thank you to the members of our Toluca Committee and Reggio Emilia Committee for welcoming our visitors with open arms.

Interested in volunteering for a committee? Email beth@fwsistercities.org.

International Students Attend Leadership Academy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX: Peace Builders, Theme of Academy

High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini, Italy, and Japan, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 34th International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at Texas Christian University July 8 – 23 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nelcy Cardenas, ILA Coordinator.

Participants will live on the TCU campus and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

2023-06-13 04:12

International Students Attend Leadership Academy

Fort Worth, TX: Peace Builders, Theme of Academy

High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini, Italy, and Japan, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 34th International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at Texas Christian University July 8 – 23 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nelcy Cardenas, ILA Coordinator.

Participants will live on the TCU campus and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

Summer Leadership Academies Return to Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX – High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini and Italy, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 33rd International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, the ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth July 16 – 31 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

Participants will live at the hotel and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

This year marks the 16th year of ILA’s middle school program, the Jr. International Leadership Academy held July 10 – 15. College students will serve as facilitators for Fort Worth students who will discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts, gaining international perspectives.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for ILA will take place July 30, 10 a.m. at the Texas A&M University School of Law and is free and open to the public.

2022-06-22 10:44

Summer Leadership Academies Return to Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – High school students from around the world will descend on Fort Worth starting July 8. Students from Eswatini and Italy, along with Fort Worth students, will be in Fort Worth for the 33rd International Leadership Academy. The academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding and problem-solving using diplomacy.

Since 1989, the ILA has brought young people from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 50 participants will converge at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth July 16 – 31 to share their cultures and learn about citizen diplomacy and its importance.

Participants will live at the hotel and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems. Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth, as well as a community service project.

This year marks the 16th year of ILA’s middle school program, the Jr. International Leadership Academy held July 10 – 15. College students will serve as facilitators for Fort Worth students who will discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts, gaining international perspectives.

“The students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.

The closing ceremony for ILA will take place July 30, 10 a.m. at the Texas A&M University School of Law and is free and open to the public.

Support Ukrainian Refugees in Budapest

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

More than 10 million people are thought to have fled their homes in Ukraine to neighboring countries since this devastating war with Russia began. It’s a heartbreaking situation as many leave loved ones, pets and essentials behind.

Fort Worth’s sister city of Budapest, Hungary shares a border with Ukraine and is asking for our help for the nearly 25,000 Ukrainian refugees expected to arrive in Hungary. This support will provide shelter, food, transportation, counseling and other services for those in need.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Through May 31, Fort Worth Sister Cities International is collecting donations to be sent to Budapest on behalf of the Ukrainian refugees. 100% of the funds collected will be sent to Budapest Helps, an organization managed by the Municipality of Budapest.

You can read more about them here.

Throughout our 37-year history, Fort Worth has provided assistance to our international partners many times, and they have done the same for us. Some examples are the care given to 68 Fort Worthians on Sept. 11 in Trier, Germany and funds donated to help Fort Worth recover from the devastating tornado that hit downtown. Fort Worth in turn has given assistance to Japan and Indonesia after tsunamis in their countries and humanitarian aid to Mbabane, Eswatini and Toluca, Mexico.

We care for our friends and our friends care for us. Donate today to help the Ukrainian refugees in Budapest. Your donation is fully tax deductible. With these funds, our friends in Budapest will:

  • Distribute food, water, clothing, bedding, hygiene items, and blankets
  • Provide free transportation
  • Supply baby products and services for children
  • Prepare shelters for those who need a comforting place to sleep and feel safe
  • Provide health-related services and medical support to those in need
  • Provide psychosocial support for those who are physically, mentally and emotionally stressed
  • Help connect people to other essential services.
Donate now.

2022-04-25 09:35

Support Ukrainian Refugees in Budapest

More than 10 million people are thought to have fled their homes in Ukraine to neighboring countries since this devastating war with Russia began. It’s a heartbreaking situation as many leave loved ones, pets and essentials behind.

Fort Worth’s sister city of Budapest, Hungary shares a border with Ukraine and is asking for our help for the nearly 25,000 Ukrainian refugees expected to arrive in Hungary. This support will provide shelter, food, transportation, counseling and other services for those in need.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Through May 31, Fort Worth Sister Cities International is collecting donations to be sent to Budapest on behalf of the Ukrainian refugees. 100% of the funds collected will be sent to Budapest Helps, an organization managed by the Municipality of Budapest.

You can read more about them here.

Throughout our 37-year history, Fort Worth has provided assistance to our international partners many times, and they have done the same for us. Some examples are the care given to 68 Fort Worthians on Sept. 11 in Trier, Germany and funds donated to help Fort Worth recover from the devastating tornado that hit downtown. Fort Worth in turn has given assistance to Japan and Indonesia after tsunamis in their countries and humanitarian aid to Mbabane, Eswatini and Toluca, Mexico.

We care for our friends and our friends care for us. Donate today to help the Ukrainian refugees in Budapest. Your donation is fully tax deductible. With these funds, our friends in Budapest will:

  • Distribute food, water, clothing, bedding, hygiene items, and blankets
  • Provide free transportation
  • Supply baby products and services for children
  • Prepare shelters for those who need a comforting place to sleep and feel safe
  • Provide health-related services and medical support to those in need
  • Provide psychosocial support for those who are physically, mentally and emotionally stressed
  • Help connect people to other essential services.
Donate now.

Fort Worth Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Reggio Emilia, Italy

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

October 29, 2020 marked a cold evening in Fort Worth, Texas, as residents bundled up in cars parked throughout the Coyote Drive-In Theater to celebrate Fort Worth’s 35-year anniversary with Reggio Emilia, Italy. The evening began with a special video message from Mayor Betsy Price and Reggio’s Mayor Luca Vecchi shown on the big screen. To cap off the evening, the crowd was then treated to pizza and the 2003 film – The Italian Job.

Our friends in Reggio also held a celebration of their own in Italy for this long and fruitful relationship. In a recent letter from Mayor Vecchi to Mayor Price, Vecchi made these comments:

“In a challenging period like this, we strongly believe that international exchanges and collaborations are an important lever for the relaunch of our community, economy and the values we believe in. I wish you a happy anniversary to you hoping to see you next year.”

35 years ago, Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen and Reggio Emilia Mayor Ugo Benassi signed the official documents to establish Fort Worth’s first sister city relationship with Reggio Emilia. The Reggio City Chair at that time, Mary Palko, then took the reigns and the first inbound exchange took place when 135 runners from Reggio Emilia participated in the Cowtown Marathon. Later that year Fort Worth Sister Cities received its first national recognition – the Readers Digest award for Best New Program – and that’s how it all began.

As our very first sister city, Reggio Emilia holds a special place in our hearts. Originally a Roman fortress situated in the Apennine foothills of Northern Italy, this historic city is home to spectacular cathedrals and palazzos dating back to the 12th century, the Municipal Theater and the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory.

Our relationship with this amazing city offers equally amazing opportunities for Fort Worth’s citizen diplomats. In addition to exchanges featuring the daily life and culture of Italy, Italian cooking and language classes and visits to the nearby city of Florence, the program is recognized for developing unique first-ever exchanges, including:

  • Tricolore Youth Sports Games, a youth-based version of the Olympics for which Fort Worth is the sole United States participant
  • A Handicap Life Skills Symposium
  • International Wheelchair Basketball Tournaments
  • Annual student exchanges
  • Smithsonian’s U.S. Tour of Reggio Emilia’s education model
  • Cutting and quarter horse training, breeding and competition
  • Stage, craft and performance arts training programs
  • Marathons
  • Culinary, hotel, and professional internships
  • Fashion and artisan industry programs

You can view a compilation of several short videos from participants and leaders of many exchanges and programs over the last 35 years between these two cities here.

2020-10-28 05:15

Fort Worth Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Reggio Emilia, Italy

October 29, 2020 marked a cold evening in Fort Worth, Texas, as residents bundled up in cars parked throughout the Coyote Drive-In Theater to celebrate Fort Worth’s 35-year anniversary with Reggio Emilia, Italy. The evening began with a special video message from Mayor Betsy Price and Reggio’s Mayor Luca Vecchi shown on the big screen. To cap off the evening, the crowd was then treated to pizza and the 2003 film – The Italian Job.

Our friends in Reggio also held a celebration of their own in Italy for this long and fruitful relationship. In a recent letter from Mayor Vecchi to Mayor Price, Vecchi made these comments:

“In a challenging period like this, we strongly believe that international exchanges and collaborations are an important lever for the relaunch of our community, economy and the values we believe in. I wish you a happy anniversary to you hoping to see you next year.”

35 years ago, Fort Worth Mayor Bob Bolen and Reggio Emilia Mayor Ugo Benassi signed the official documents to establish Fort Worth’s first sister city relationship with Reggio Emilia. The Reggio City Chair at that time, Mary Palko, then took the reigns and the first inbound exchange took place when 135 runners from Reggio Emilia participated in the Cowtown Marathon. Later that year Fort Worth Sister Cities received its first national recognition – the Readers Digest award for Best New Program – and that’s how it all began.

As our very first sister city, Reggio Emilia holds a special place in our hearts. Originally a Roman fortress situated in the Apennine foothills of Northern Italy, this historic city is home to spectacular cathedrals and palazzos dating back to the 12th century, the Municipal Theater and the famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory.

Our relationship with this amazing city offers equally amazing opportunities for Fort Worth’s citizen diplomats. In addition to exchanges featuring the daily life and culture of Italy, Italian cooking and language classes and visits to the nearby city of Florence, the program is recognized for developing unique first-ever exchanges, including:

  • Tricolore Youth Sports Games, a youth-based version of the Olympics for which Fort Worth is the sole United States participant
  • A Handicap Life Skills Symposium
  • International Wheelchair Basketball Tournaments
  • Annual student exchanges
  • Smithsonian’s U.S. Tour of Reggio Emilia’s education model
  • Cutting and quarter horse training, breeding and competition
  • Stage, craft and performance arts training programs
  • Marathons
  • Culinary, hotel, and professional internships
  • Fashion and artisan industry programs

You can view a compilation of several short videos from participants and leaders of many exchanges and programs over the last 35 years between these two cities here.

Sister Cities June Update

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

While in-person relationship building and international travel are curtailed right now, the exchanges and outreach of Fort Worth Sister Cities are still just as vibrant as ever due to the commitment and dedication of our many partners, members and volunteers. They understand this work is important – now more than ever before.

Our youth have been conducting virtual meetings with students in Budapest, Hungry; Nîmes, France; Reggio Emilia, Italy; and Trier, Germany this spring and have shown that we can still create relationships – only in a different way. Students from these cities have been able to connect with Fort Worth youth exchanging information about what life is like in their communities during this quarantine era. Their voices were enthusiastic and attitudes eager to continue virtual connections, despite zoom fatigue they experienced from their online classwork.

Even our Fort Worth Youth International local group are meeting virtually and have created a community service project that they could participate in from their own living rooms. They are making cards with original artwork and messages of inspiration for families who are part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County.

The premier high school International Leadership Academy and Jr. Academy are also going virtual with students organizing weekly games like charades, scavenger hunts, and leadership building activities throughout the summer with students from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities. And, we’ve created adult virtual dinners and entertainment with some of our sister cities to provide cultural insights.

Fort Worth and its nine sister cities are also helping each other on how to best reopen our communities and energize our economies. Recently we coordinated a virtual economic relations meeting with officials in Toluca, Mexico with participation from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, City of Fort Worth Economic Development Department, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce arranged by Councilman Carlos Flores. We can always learn from each other and these longtime partnerships are proving to be valuable during this time.

It is a different time for us for sure, but we are determined to press on and continue to connect globally. We may not be experiencing the usual exciting greetings and departures at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport but we are traveling through the skies in a different way – via Zoom. We’ll pick right back up in 2021 to renew and create even more connections here in Fort Worth and around the world.

2020-06-01 02:45

Sister Cities June Update

While in-person relationship building and international travel are curtailed right now, the exchanges and outreach of Fort Worth Sister Cities are still just as vibrant as ever due to the commitment and dedication of our many partners, members and volunteers. They understand this work is important – now more than ever before.

Our youth have been conducting virtual meetings with students in Budapest, Hungry; Nîmes, France; Reggio Emilia, Italy; and Trier, Germany this spring and have shown that we can still create relationships – only in a different way. Students from these cities have been able to connect with Fort Worth youth exchanging information about what life is like in their communities during this quarantine era. Their voices were enthusiastic and attitudes eager to continue virtual connections, despite zoom fatigue they experienced from their online classwork.

Even our Fort Worth Youth International local group are meeting virtually and have created a community service project that they could participate in from their own living rooms. They are making cards with original artwork and messages of inspiration for families who are part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County.

The premier high school International Leadership Academy and Jr. Academy are also going virtual with students organizing weekly games like charades, scavenger hunts, and leadership building activities throughout the summer with students from Fort Worth’s nine sister cities. And, we’ve created adult virtual dinners and entertainment with some of our sister cities to provide cultural insights.

Fort Worth and its nine sister cities are also helping each other on how to best reopen our communities and energize our economies. Recently we coordinated a virtual economic relations meeting with officials in Toluca, Mexico with participation from the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, City of Fort Worth Economic Development Department, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce arranged by Councilman Carlos Flores. We can always learn from each other and these longtime partnerships are proving to be valuable during this time.

It is a different time for us for sure, but we are determined to press on and continue to connect globally. We may not be experiencing the usual exciting greetings and departures at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport but we are traveling through the skies in a different way – via Zoom. We’ll pick right back up in 2021 to renew and create even more connections here in Fort Worth and around the world.