Friendship Cities

Growing International Ties and Friendships
Olathe's friendships in Cheonan, South Korea, continue to expand. Cheonan is home to Korea Nazarene University (KNU), founded by Dr. Donald Owens, former president of MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe. Olathe is also exploring opportunities for exchange with Gomel, Belarus. Olathe-based Heart to Heart International and many individuals representing Olathe churches and businesses have been active in humanitarian work in the Belarus region, which is still recovering from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster in 1986.

What is a Friendship City?
Less formal than a sister city relationship, a friendship city designation recognizes the rewarding friendships and exchanges which may occur between Olathe and other cities throughout the world, without official sister city agreements. This designation may also be the first step toward recognition as an official sister city.

Maebashi, Japan (Olathe's Friendship City)
Olathe's relationship with Maebashi began through the efforts of Mr. Akio Fukushima, a member of the Maebashi West Rotary Club. Mr. Fukushima's interest in Olathe started in 1992, when he first visited Olathe as a guest of Dianne and Jerry Daugherty of the Olathe Rotary Club. Olathe and Maebashi have enjoyed numerous student and adult exchanges since that time. In 2007, Olathe marked the tenth anniversary of the "Trees of Friendship" project with Maebashi, celebrating Mr. Fukushima's gift of 500 cherry trees to the Olathe community.