BY ROBERT SANCHEZ
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Government and civic leaders from Cincinnati will get a chance this week to share their ideas about democracy with their counterparts from Kharkiv, Ukraine, Cincinnati's sister city.
Kharkiv, which was part of the former Soviet Union, still is trying to rebuild from the end of Communist rule less than a decade ago.
"This will give both countries the ability to contact fellow professionals and share their ideas," said Katrina Morley, a member of the Executive Committee for the Cincinnati-Kharkiv Sister City Project.
"We hope we're giving both cities the opportunity to share, because those resources are important."
The delegation, which arrived Monday in Cincinnati, is part of a program that has exchanged more than 1,000 representatives from the two cities.
Sister City efforts are a way for cities and countries to bond, said Jan Sherbin, a member of the Sister City board of trustees. .
Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, it has been easier for the cities to coordinate meetings.
"Before, few people were able to be involved in this because it was too difficult," Ms. Sherbin said. "Now, it's become a real learning experience for everyone around."
Kharkiv's delegation plans to meet with Cincinnati's government officials and participate in tours and other activities.
Two-time Olympic medalist Rustam Sharipov is scheduled to meet local Olympic coach Mary Lee Tracy from 3-5 p.m., today at the Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy.
Government and business executives also will visit Cincinnati City Hall and watch a council meeting Thursday.
The delegation is scheduled to return to the Ukraine on Monday.
