Distance from Pueblo: 672 mi
Population: 748,551 (2006)
Elevation: 4,642 ft
Literacy Rate: 98%
RELATIONSHIP
Chihuahua, Mexico has held a relationship with us for 18 years. Because of it's close proximity, only 672 miles away, it has had the highest degree of participation from both sides.
Sports
Annually we host runners from Chihuahua who participate in the Cinco de Mayo 10K race. Likewise, we have sent Pueblo runners to participate in the Marathon in Chihuahua. Pueblo additionally hosts the Paper Cup Tennis Tournament, where some 250 players gather to compete. Chihuahua players Amado Ruiz and Cesar Obieta have won in the tournament.
Educational Exchanges
For about ten years, Chihuahua and Pueblo had a student exchange program between CBTIS #122 and Colegios de Bachilleres in Chihuahua and, Centennial, Central, East and South High Schools in Pueblo. Hundreds of students had the wonderul opportunity for these cultural and educational experiences. We even had four students as well as two teachers that met and got married after meeting their counterparts through the exchange program.
The Colorado State University-Pueblo (formerly USC) also had a very active exchange program with Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua and Universidad Regional Del Norte. Chihuahua racquetball players, as USC students, helped USC attain National Championships for five years. USC Faculty members have lectured in Chihuahua Universities and Chihuahua professors have done the same at USC. Three groups of 20 students each from USC experienced a 10 day exchange in Chihuahua.
Performing Arts
Dr. Jacob Chi, a professor at Colorado State University-Pueblo and director of the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra, conducted the Chihuahua Symphony Orchestra and the University of Chihuahua Symphony Orchestra at concerts in our Sister City. The Ballet Folklorico ÒRarajipameÓ has performed in Pueblo sixteen times; this group, representing Mexico, has achieved international recognition, having traveled to South America, Europe and Asia.
The Colorado State fair is held annually in Pueblo, around that time, many dignitaries visit us. Past visitors have included the mayors of Chihuahua and Puebla as well as Mr. Patricio Martinez, Governor of Chihuahua who met with Colorado Governor Bill Owens to talk about economic development, trade and tourism issues. The meeting was facilitated by the commission. Last year (2005) we hosted delegations from Puebla and Chihuahua to include Puebla Mayor Dr. Enrique Doguer, Chihuahua Mayor C.P. Juan Blanco and Chihuahua Governor Lie. Jose Reyes Baeza.
We have exchanged Police Officers and Firefighters for brief periods. We have counterparts on our water treatment procedures as well as waste water treatment. The City has donated two fire trucks and the hospitals have sent thousands of dollars in medical supplies. The statue of Diana the Huntress that adorns the Pueblo Depot is a gift from Governor Martinez and his friends from Chihuahua.
