Special events planned to mark Sister City relationship milestones

Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne will welcome delegations from Gera, Germany and Takaoka, Japan later this week as part of the Sister Cities program. Guests will be in Fort Wayne Thursday-Sunday.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Fort Wayne-Gera relationship and the 35th anniversary between Fort Wayne and Takaoka. Collaborative efforts have included student exchanges, government delegation visits, cultural exchanges (musicians, artists, troupes) and exchanges between police and parks departments.

Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and a local delegation recently visited Gera as part of the Sister Cities program.

The Sister Cities partnership allows for economic and cultural opportunities, as well as educational exchanges.

Several special events, including tours, banquets, entertainment, and a public art dedication at Fort Wayne International Airport are planned.

Brief History on Sister Cities

The National program for Sister Cities International was created in 1956 by President Eisenhower to foster citizen diplomacy and create a more peaceful world. Fort Wayne Sister Cities International, Inc. (FWSCI) was established in 1976 and organized in 1983 as an Indiana 501(c) (3) Corporation, and is affiliated with Sister Cities International, based in Washington, D.C.

FWSCI works to promote international understanding between the citizens of Fort Wayne and the citizens of our Sister Cities through the development of relationships fostered by frequent student, civic, artistic, economic and business exchanges.