COVID-19 Pandemic Cancels Sister Cities Exchanges

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of Sister City student exchanges for 2020 between Lawrence and its partners Eutin, Germany, and Hiratsuka, Japan, as well as the 30th anniversary visit of a delegation from Lawrence to Hiratsuka, Japan, scheduled for October. Additionally, the very first delegation from Iniades, Greece, has also had to postpone its trip to Lawrence. The group of Greek students and adults was scheduled to arrive in Lawrence in early April for a homestay with local families. The group now hopes to visit Lawrence in the late summer. “This is a very disappointing situation for our organization,” said Bill Keel, Chair of the Governing Board of Sister Cities Lawrence. “This is a unique time which requires unique actions and sacrifices. And, these participants are sacrificing a life-changing experience. We anticipate the resumption of all exchanges next year. The families of the students will receive full refunds” The celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Lawrence-Hiratsuka relationship will also be postponed until 2021.