2014 delegation gathers at Minori Sports Park, dedicated to Abilene on the 10th anniversary of the Sister City relationship. This is also where one of two Kansas windmills have been erected.
ABILENE, Kan.–The Abilene Sister City will soon celebrate its thirtieth anniversary later in July in Omitama, Japan. During this time the delegates’ stay is divided between two host families and stay about five days with each family. On the weekends, the host families have two days with their guests and share activities or places that are important to them.
Despite the amazing adventures that are planned to tour the region’s best attractions, delegates say the homestay is their favorite part of the trip. It is during this time that they find out the differences and commonalities of their families and lives. In one instance, a student brought some of his favorite movies to watch while traveling. While staying with his first host family, the young father was brought out some of his favorite movies to share with his guests. They were very surprised when the student pulled out his exact copy of a favorite movie. With the advent of Facebook, it is easier than ever to maintain the friendships.
The current delegation is representative of many of Abilene‘s previous visits. While it will mainly be comprised of students, the City of Abilene will also be represented by Mayor Dee Marshall, several Sister City board members and some adults. There are eighteen people participating this year. They are: Austin Thull, Cody Jiles, Shyann Ward, Kate Luty, Luke Kohler, Bret Ambrosier, Theresa Brierton, Catherine Brierton, Anna Zey, Mary Zey, Andrea Taylor, Audrey Corbett, Audrey Unruh, Kevin Unruh, Michelle Young, Julie Boyd, Dee Marshall, Bill Marshall.
The roots of the current organization can be traced back to 1970, when a Japanese dairy farmer Mitsuo Tonouchi came to Abilene to visit the dairy farm of Harold Scanlan. This visit resulted in Mr. Tonouchi’s purchase of dairy cattle and the formation of long-lasting friendships. In 1986, Mitsuo Tonouchi was Mayor of Minori (a city that became incorporated into the larger city that is currently Omitama). When Mayor Tonouchi learned of the Sister City International program, he contacted the current Abilene mayor, Cliff Asling, and the process began. Since this beginning, the success of the sister city program is built upon the friendships that are formed during the yearly homestays. Abilene and Omitama alternate travel years, with a trip lasting about ten days.Abilene delegates are set to leave July 13th, 2016.