TENNIS DELEGATION FROM SENDAI VISITS GOSFORD

A tennis delegation from Sendai, Japan, visited Gosford in June 2009. 

Members of the Miyagino-hara Lawn Tennis Club (Sendai-City Tennis Association) met up again with members of the Central Coast Tennis Academy who visited Sendai in 2008.

The delegation enjoyed several rounds of tennis with members of the CC Tennis Academy and, from all accounts, the competition was very closely matched with wins on both sides.

Members of SOAP Central Coast also enjoyed dinner with the Sendai delegation who were able to relax after another day of winter tennis in Gosford. 

SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP LEADS TO SPOUSE RELATIONSHIP

A young newlywed couple typifies the marvellous bond between Gosford and Edogawa.

Gavin Paul of Narara married Mariko Yamaguchi of Edogawa in January 2009 at a special ceremony on the Central Coast.

Mariko's parents and her uncle's family travelled from Edogawa to witness the wonderful event.

The couple met ten years ago at Central Coast Grammar School through a student exchange program coordinated by local resident Mrs Sanders and Mrs Takenawa of Edogawa Homestay Club.

Mariko had been to Gosford a few times and Gavin was chosen by the University of Sydney to spend one year exchange at a Japanese university. During that time, the pair grew closer.

This is the first wedding as the result of the sister city school exchange program for our two cities.

SOAP Central Coast congratulates the happy couple and wishes them all the very best for the future.

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All visits have been successful and enjoyable. The international visits allow people to see a whole different culture, to learn, to try new cuisine, to see amazing sights and build language skills. Importantly, so many friendships have been formed and, in a world where we see so much conflict, it is rewarding to be part of a community where we are strengthening international ties and breaking down the barriers.

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