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International competition in Knoxville brings thousands of kids to America for first time

Destination Imagination brought together students from across the globe to Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Students from across the world came together in Knoxville for Destination Imagination's Global Finals on Saturday.

According to Destination Imagination's website, more than 8,000 students and more than 17,000 people came to visit Knoxville for the last four days. Many have been in Knoxville since May 23.

The nonprofit works to provide students with opportunities to learn from project-based learning programs.

One group visited Knoxville after a 22-hour flight from Pakistan to be part of Destination Imagination's Global Finals. Many of the students had never been to the United States.

"I haven't been in Tennessee, and this is my first time competing in Destination Imagination," one student named Shayan said.

Shayan and his friends won for their school, won for their nation and now they're here in Knoxville to compete in the finals. Their team is one of the first to ever compete in the U.S., and students say it was no easy task.

"We hope to display or show a positive image of our country," Shayan said.

Win or lose, the team will head back with a positive experience and a big lesson.

"The most exciting part was the journey with your friends to enjoy, not to work yourself and beat yourself up, but instead enjoy with your friends and have fun."

The global finals and awards will be streamed on Destination Imagination's website.

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