WASHINGTON, DC (March 11, 2020) – Sister Cities International applauds the upcoming torch lighting ceremony on March 12, 2020 in Olympia, Greece between the cities of Olympia, Washington and Olympia, Greece, which will strengthen sister city relationships in these key countries. The efforts of two dynamic mayors – Mayor Georgios Georgiopoulos and Mayor Cheryl Selby marks an historic moment, which will only continue a tradition of recognizing the people-to-people bond and how citizen diplomats can make a difference.
“At the core, Sister Cities International recognizes, celebrates, and magnifies the catalytic energy of city to city interaction with mutual understanding of our democratic values dating back from ancient times to the present,” said Sister Cities International country leader, Dr. Christine Warnke.
Sister Cities International President and CEO Leroy Allala has made formalizing greater ties between cities such as Olympia, Washington and Olympia, Greece a priority and emphasizes “the need for strong partnerships between two cities that bring together the modern and ancient cultural traditions so the world recognizes that democracy is timeless and thriving.”
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About Sister Cities International
Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International serves as the national membership organization for over 500 member communities with relationships in over 2,000 communities in 145 countries. This sister city network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers who work tirelessly to promote peace and understanding through programs and projects focusing on arts and culture, youth and education, economic and sustainable development, and humanitarian assistance.
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