Speedway, Italian City Expand Partnership
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe town of Speedway has announced an expanded sister-city agreement with an Italian city. The arrangement involves a high school cultural exchange program with the city of Varano de' Melegari beginning next year. July 21, 2014
News Release
SPEEDWAY, Ind. – Speedway town officials and government leaders in Varano de' Melegari, Italy, have solidified a sister-city relationship to provide students in both cities with educational and entrepreneurial opportunities locally and abroad.
The two cities established a business partnership through Dallara Automobili, which operates its only U.S. location on Main Street in Speedway.
Town Council President Gary Raikes praised the partnership with Dallara, starting with his first meetings with Gian Paolo Dallara, founder of Dallara Automobili. “A few years ago when my fellow councilors and I met Mr. Dallara, we knew that our shared affinity for racing, education and community would form the basis for a lasting relationship,” said Raikes.
The cities have expanded their business partnership to support a cultural exchange program for high school students to learn firsthand about the history and culture of the Northern Italian town, from its historic castles, Renaissance art and cultural heritage to its racing and technology. In alternating years, Italian students will be given an opportunity to learn about American history, art, technology and agriculture.
Since their relationship began in 2012, Speedway and Dallara have expressed mutual interest in promoting projects that provide youths with an exchange of knowledge concerning economic, cultural and social similarities and differences between the countries.
Ken Hull, Superintendent of Speedway Schools, welcomes the student exchange program.
“This will be an opportunity to create memories which will last a lifetime for both our students who visit Italy and our families who host children from Italy,” he said.
Stefano de Ponti, CEO and general manager of Dallara USA, reiterated his commitment at a recent Speedway Town Council meeting: “On behalf of Dallara and the city of Varano de' Melegari, I am proud and honored to be a part of the Speedway community and grateful for the opportunity to provide cultural enrichment and learning opportunities for young people.”
Speedway students will visit Italy in 2015, and the students of Varano de’ Melegari will visit the U.S. in 2016.
Source: The Town of Speedway