KSHB 41 News reporter Braden Bates covers parts of Jackson County, Missouri, including Lee's Summit. Send Braden a story idea by e-mail.
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Rotary Club members across the Kansas City area are opening their homes to Argentine Rotary members as part of the club's Friendship Exchange Program during the World Cup.
Ben Martin visited 32 countries and six of the seven continents with his wife Roxanne — climbing glaciers, scaling Mount Vesuvius in Italy, and collecting what he calls "wild, goofy experiences" along the way.
Now, he is getting ready to show off adventures closer to home.
The Martin's are hosting a soccer-loving father and son from Argentina.
In June, Roberto and Augusto Diez Ormaechea will be visiting Kansas City for the World Cup, staying four nights at the Martin's home before spending another four nights at anther local Rotarian's home.
"We're happy to see them. We want to see them and make them part of our family for a short period of time, but a part of our family nonetheless," Martin said.
The visit will be packed with Kansas City barbecue, popular local sites and a trip to a baseball game.
"I like to see the, the baseball game," Augusto said.
Roberto and Augusto also scored tickets to a World Cup match, which was no small feat.
"They are a little expensive because, there aren't, there aren't anymore," Augusto said.
But to see Lionel Messi and the best of Argentina play, was worth it, according to the pair.
Roberto said the connection goes beyond the World Cup visit. After coming to the United States, they will open their home to visitors.
"That in the future, Kansas' family will be able to travel to Argentina. And they will be hosted by us in our houses and our homes," Roberto said.
Martin said his years of travel have taught him to find similarities and celebrate differences — a philosophy he said guides him and fellow Rotarians.
"That's one of the great things about Rotary, there's that sense of shared service and it is an international organization," Martin said.
He said that spirit is captured in the club's motto.
"We live our motto, 'Service above self. One profits most who serves best,'" Martin said.
In about three weeks, the home stay families will meet their guests for the very first time in person.
They will host kick off parties, plan on attending Lee's Summit's first Fútbal Friday, and have a special party planned at Café Corazón in the Crossroads.
While here, the Rotarians from Argentina will also present to various Rotary Clubs in Kansas City. This creates learning opportunities for both groups.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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