Rotary Club of Silves recently organised a dinner attended by members from the Rotary clubs of Lisbon-Olivais, Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Almancil and Estoi Palace, where plans for the Rotary International Convention in Lisbon in 2013 were discussed.
Isabel Flores, President of RC Silves, welcomed guests and Rotarians to the event held at the Holiday Inn Algarve in Armação de Pêra and introduced guest of honour and speaker Luís Miguel Duarte, Incoming Governor for 2012-2013, to the audience.
Sheena Rawcliffe, Incoming Silves President, proposed a toast to Rotary worldwide and told those present that World Polio Day (October 24) was “just around the corner” and a raffle would be held in aid of this important fundraising activity.
The year 2013 will be particularly important for Rotarians in Portugal as the Rotary International Convention will be held in Lisbon in June.
Luís Miguel Duarte made a presentation on the event confirming that at least 17,000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend and “this will be a great opportunity for Rotarians in Portugal to experience international fellowship”.
The conference will give a boost to Portugal’s economy and is being supported by the Portuguese Tourist Board.
In the Rotary tradition of “Service above Self”, Luís appealed for assistance from Rotarians who speak English to work with him to make this a truly memorable event.
Luis ended his talk by telling members that he is very optimistic that in April 2012 there will be an official announcement confirming that the objective of eradicating polio has been achieved.
David Trubshaw confirmed that €200 had been raised from the raffle.
Anyone wishing to know more about the work of Rotary in Portugal should visit www.rotary.pt or see the contact details in this week’s Algarve Resident. There are English speakers in Silves, Almancil and Estoi clubs.
