Richmond recently welcomed the Saitama City, Japan, delegation for the return of the longtime sister city baseball exchange program after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since its start in 1994, the exchange has brought together youth baseball players, coaches, families and officials from Richmond and Saitama for games, cultural activities and community events that promote friendship and understanding.

The weeklong visit featured several baseball games at Byrd Park, a tour of Richmond’s historic sites including a reenactment of Patrick Henry’s famous speech at St. John’s Church, and opportunities for cultural exchange between the two communities.

On Aug. 4, the Richmond City Council and Mayor Danny Avula hosted a ceremony at City Hall to honor more than 30 years of partnership between the cities. Richmond leaders, including Council President Cynthia I. Newbille and Councilmember Nicole Jones, joined members of the Richmond Sister Cities Commission and Saitama officials for the event.

According to organizers, participants reflected on the importance of the exchange in building lasting friendships and enriching cultural understanding. Hundreds of youths and families have taken part in the program over the decades, strengthening ties between Richmond and Saitama through sport and education.