On May 5th, a special event to celebrate the 40-year sister-state-province relationship between Gansu Province and the State of Oklahoma successfully concluded at the George Nigh Center of University of Central Oklahoma (UCO).
Former Governor of Oklahoma and former president of UCO George Nigh, 97 years old, attended the event along with First Lady of Oklahoma Donna Nigh. They were instrumental in establishing this sister friendship on their visit to Gansu back in 1985. Â Representatives from the local and state government of Oklahoma and UCO gave welcome remarks to the large Gansu delegation, which was composed of provincial leaders and local performing artists of different ethnic minorities in Gansu. Â Artists from Gansu and Oklahoma, headlined by Oklahoma Cultural Ambassador, Kyle Dillingham, delivered a stunning and moving performance that had the audience rising from their chairs to sing and clap along. Â
As the co-organizer, USHCA was represented by Min Fan, USHCA Executive Director, who was also the MC of the event. Â She recalled the motto of the state of Oklahoma at the conclusion of the event: Labor Omnia Vincit – work conquers all things. “May friendship and peace prevail in our world thanks to the good work from each of us!” Â
For more coverage of this event:
Hearts across continents between Oklahoma, Gansu – China Daily
Oklahoma musicians and Chinese delegation to celebrate 40th anniversary of sister-state bond – The Oklahoman