Category: Uncategorized

International Students Attend Leadership Academies

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX: Building a Culture of Health Theme of Academies

group photo sillySince 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 150 participants will converge at TCU July 16 – 31 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership.

Students from Fort Worth, China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Swaziland will be in Fort Worth for this two-week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through team-building, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.

community center 19Participants 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 and a community service project.

students making funny facesThis year marks the 12th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held July 11—15. College students from Toluca, Mexico and Mbabane, Swaziland will serve as facilitators as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Mexico and Swaziland gaining an international perspective.

“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 ceremonies for ILA take place on July 31, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public.

2016-06-21 04:22

International Students Attend Leadership Academies

Fort Worth, TX: Building a Culture of Health Theme of Academies

group photo sillySince 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, nearly 150 participants will converge at TCU July 16 – 31 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership.

Students from Fort Worth, China, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Swaziland will be in Fort Worth for this two-week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through team-building, problem-solving, and sharing cultures.

community center 19Participants 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 and a community service project.

students making funny facesThis year marks the 12th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held July 11—15. College students from Toluca, Mexico and Mbabane, Swaziland will serve as facilitators as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Mexico and Swaziland gaining an international perspective.

“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 ceremonies for ILA take place on July 31, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public.

Sister Cities to Hold Conversation on Refugee Crisis

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, Texas – Refugee resettlement in Fort Worth to be discussed 

The Fort Worth community is invited to participate in a conversation on the current world refugee crisis on April 28 from at 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus, Room Action A 4202.  The event is free and open to the public but reservations are required at beth@fwsistercities.org.

Manochehr Dorraj
Dr. Monochehr Dorraj

The event will include an analysis of the refugee crisis by Dr. Monochehr Dorraj, Professor of Political Science at TCU.  A panel discussion will follow on how refugees are affecting our sister cities of Budapest, Hungary; Reggio Emilia, Italy; and Trier, Germany.

The evening will also include an overview of the current situation in Fort Worth.  This information will be presented by the directors from Refugee Services of Texas speaking about how refugees are being resettled in Fort Worth.

Our keynote speaker, Manochehr Dorraj, received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.  Dr. Dorraj is a frequent commentator on global affairs in general and Middle East politics in particular. He has granted numerous interviews to international, national, and local media.

For more information and to make your reservation, please contact Beth Weibel at beth@fwsistercities.org.

2016-04-07 08:57

Sister Cities to Hold Conversation on Refugee Crisis

Fort Worth, Texas – Refugee resettlement in Fort Worth to be discussed 

The Fort Worth community is invited to participate in a conversation on the current world refugee crisis on April 28 from at 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus, Room Action A 4202.  The event is free and open to the public but reservations are required at beth@fwsistercities.org.

Manochehr Dorraj
Dr. Monochehr Dorraj

The event will include an analysis of the refugee crisis by Dr. Monochehr Dorraj, Professor of Political Science at TCU.  A panel discussion will follow on how refugees are affecting our sister cities of Budapest, Hungary; Reggio Emilia, Italy; and Trier, Germany.

The evening will also include an overview of the current situation in Fort Worth.  This information will be presented by the directors from Refugee Services of Texas speaking about how refugees are being resettled in Fort Worth.

Our keynote speaker, Manochehr Dorraj, received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.  Dr. Dorraj is a frequent commentator on global affairs in general and Middle East politics in particular. He has granted numerous interviews to international, national, and local media.

For more information and to make your reservation, please contact Beth Weibel at beth@fwsistercities.org.

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…

Japanese Students Visit Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

Sister Cities Partners With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Country Day and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 18 – 26 for this annual international exchange. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote global fluency. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to give students the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world.  At the same time, teachers are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other international initiatives. We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Michael Sorum, Deputy Superintendent and Sister Cities Advisory Board member. The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the three participating schools. In partnership with the Fort Worth Japanese Society, the students will perform a traditional Japanese dance at the annual Japanese Festival in the Botanic Gardens on Sat.,  Oct. 25.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.

2014-09-24 09:19

Japanese Students Visit Fort Worth

Sister Cities Partners With Three Local Schools

This year’s Ambassador Middle Schools include McLean Middle School, Fort Worth Country Day and Trinity Valley School. These schools will host 36 students and teachers from Nagaoka, Japan October 18 – 26 for this annual international exchange. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote global fluency. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to give students the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s connected world.  At the same time, teachers are given creative teaching tools and exposure to international cultures. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other international initiatives. We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Michael Sorum, Deputy Superintendent and Sister Cities Advisory Board member. The Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the three participating schools. In partnership with the Fort Worth Japanese Society, the students will perform a traditional Japanese dance at the annual Japanese Festival in the Botanic Gardens on Sat.,  Oct. 25.  Through this unique experience the Japanese students will provide a glimpse into life in Japan and its unique culture.