Photo: Brendan Kergin

The Uji arch at Riverside Park.

Officials in Kamloops and Japanese sister city Uji have agreed to not hold their annual delegation trip this year due to the global pandemic.

Each year, Kamloops hosts a delegation and students from the Uji Junior High School system for a few days in the summer. The delegation trip won't be happening this year, according to a press release from the city.

“It’s important for everyone to stay safe during this period of uncertainty,” said Mayor Ken Christian. “We wish Mayor Yamamoto the people of Uji City safety and good health, and we look forward to celebrating this important relationship together in 2021.”

As this was the 30th year of the relationship, a celebration  involving cultural, tourism and economic development was planned as well, but it will be delayed.

The mayors of the two cities will touch base in April to decide on whether the students will still travel.