Hello, or “Kon’nichiwa,” Lakeland. What do Swan City + Imabari, Japan have in common? The two might seem completely unrelated, but they are actually Sister Cities.
In honor of National Virtual Vacation Day, we’re giving you a quick tour of Lakeland’s five Sister Cities — all from the comfort of your screen.
According to Sister Cities International, the idea behind Sister City partnerships is to cultivate international relationships while having the opportunity to explore different cultures + stimulate economic development.
🇯🇵 Imabari, Japan
Imabari, Japan | Est. 1995 | Home to a 17th-century castle, this island in Japan is a biker’s paradise. Nearly every year, students from Lakeland + Imabari travel alternatively to each city to learn one another’s languages and cultures.
🇲🇩 Bălți, Moldova
Bălți, Moldova | Est. 1997 | Known as the “northern capital,” the partnership between this post-Soviet city in Eastern Europe began after Lakeland audiologist Dr. Gregory Spirakis traveled to Bălți to help children facing hearing loss after the collapse of the USSR.
🇨🇳 Chongming, China
Chongming, China | Est. 2007 | As the third-largest Island in China, Chongming is known as “Crab Island” for its abundance of — you guessed it — crustaceans. LAL + Chongming share a love of mutual prosperity through education, technology, + sports, business, and culture.
🇯🇲 Portmore, Jamaica
Portmore, Jamaica | Est. 2009 | A large coastal city with plenty of sunny-side beach views, Lakeland and Portmore formed connections between local schools, governments, and through tourism.
🇨🇦 Richmond Hill, Canada
Richmond Hill, Canada | Est. 1990 | As Lakeland’s oldest sister city, the “ Bălțil’’ of Canada and LAL share activities like lawn bowling, ice hockey, and golf. The two cities have also hosted exchange students both from Richmond Hill and Lakeland. You can read more about our trip to Richmond Hill, here.
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