The men’s World Cup has awakened the dreamer in me again.

As I stated in this newspaper’s June 26 issue, I’ve been touched by the outpouring of love international soccer fans are showing forAmerica while visiting here for the World Cup. I want to see the lovefest continue after the championship game on July 18. One way to do so is through sister city relationships.

Alas, Richmond and Excelsior Springs don’t have sister cities, as was confirmed to me recently via email by Tonya Willim, Richmond city administrator; and Melinda Mehaffy, Excelsior Springs city administrator. I’m guessing the same is true for other area towns, like Orrick and Hardin.

Thus, to continue advancing international goodwill and pursue some potential thrilling, sports-related opportunities, I’m challenging area leaders to work to establish sister cities. Because athletic competitions can help sister cities develop relationships, as the Sister Cities International website suggests, I’ve begun dreaming of ways of …