Twinning arrangement will invite children from China

Feb 21 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

COUNCILLORS have decided to invite Chinese children to a major event in Kirklees.

The Tory Cabinet voted yesterday to strengthen links with the city of Yuhang.

The new twinning arrangement will see children from the eastern Chinese city taking part in the Kirklees Youth Games in July.

Cabinet member for children’s services Clr Jim Dodds said: “It’s going to be a terrific day with thousands of children performing at the Galpharm Stadium.

“Sport, music and art unites children from different cultures.”

Clr Ken Sims said it was important to build economic ties with China.

He said: “Our local companies are already selling hi-tech goods to China and I hopes these links with Yuhang will enhance this situation.”

Representatives of the city, which has a population of 1.5m, approached Kirklees Council to establish an economic partnership after neighbouring Hangzhou forged links with Leeds.

The council’s deputy leader Clr Jim Dodds and director of regeneration Ken Gillespie made a six-day visit to Yuhang in October.