Voices of Unity performs during opening ceremony of World Choir Games

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Members of the Voices of Unity took part in Thursday's opening ceremonies at the World Choir Games in China.

Also on Thursday, family members in Fort Wayne got to hear from their loved ones when they called home via videophone.

The video conference was set up in the Rhinehart Building at IPFW.

The Voices of Unity is representing the United States in the event, which is compared to the Olympics of choir competitions.

There are 80 singers, musicians, and chaperones on the trip. In the months leading up to the World Games, they worked together to raise the $400,000 needed to pay for their travel.

The choir is part of the non-profit Unity Performing Arts Foundation. "UPAF's focus is to help young people realize their potential at an early age," said Marshall White, the director of Voices of Unity.