October 15th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 15 October 2025, Rotary Club Sofia International held its fourth formal meeting of the Rotary year, this time at the Novotel Hotel. The evening brought together ten members and two guests from Rotary Club Misgav, Israel, with whom we had the pleasure of performing a flag exchange — a meaningful symbol of the enduring friendship and global connection within the Rotary family.
President Claude Badane captivated the audience with an engaging presentation about his camper journey through Scandinavia undertaken with his wife, Inna Badane, in 2022. Through vivid stories and beautiful images, Claude shared highlights from their travels across the Nordic landscapes — from breathtaking fjords to charming northern towns — and reflected on the joy of exploring diverse cultures while embodying the Rotary spirit of curiosity and connection.
Later, Secretary Domagoj Stefan recounted his enriching experience attending a meeting of Rotary Club Marbella in Spain on 7 October 2025. He also shared details of a flag exchange with his business partner, Jernej Kenda, from Rotary Club Celje – Barbara Celjska, Slovenia, during an international conference in Marbella, further strengthening our club’s ties within the global Rotary community.
It was a delightful and inspiring evening filled with friendship, stories, and shared Rotary values — a true celebration of the bonds that unite Rotarians around the world.
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October 8th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 8 October 2025, Rotary Club Sofia International held its third formal meeting of the Rotary year 2025–2026 at the Hilton Hotel. Ten members attended, joined by two special guests: Mr. Peter Tomov from Rotary Club San Diego, USA (in person) and Mr. Rodney Castel from Rotary Club of Quatre Bornes Sodnac, Mauritius (online). It was a pleasure to welcome both Rotarians and strengthen our global Rotary ties.
During the meeting, Claude and Linda delivered short presentations. Claude shared experiences from his Rotarian and personal life, while Linda spoke about her journey of turning a personal hobby into a business.
Ms. Ani Hristova proudly presented a flag from the Rotary Club of Taipei Genius, Taiwan, marking a symbolic connection between Rotary Club Sofia International and our friends in Taiwan. She also shared inspiring news from her nephew, Mr. Hristo Hristov, who recently took part in the Rotary Youth Exchange program “Discover Pacific Taiwan Cycling Camp 2025,” organized by Rotary Club Taipei (District 3481) and Rotary Club Taipei Taitung (District 3482). The young participants cycled more than 500 kilometers across Taiwan, discovering its breathtaking landscapes, surfing, dolphin watching, and visiting the world’s largest Buddha museum. They even endured a typhoon along the way—a powerful reminder of nature’s might and resilience.
The club extended heartfelt thanks to the generous Taiwanese hosts—Mr. Morries and Mrs. Wendy Huang, Mrs. Jelissa Yang, and all organizers—for providing an inspiring, safe, and unforgettable experience for all participants. Taipei remains a shining example of Rotary’s spirit of friendship, service, and connection across continents.
At the meeting, members also embraced a new joyful tradition: “The Happy Leva,” where members contribute small donations when sharing positive news from their week, supporting future charitable projects.
Finally, Paul Harris Fellow pins were awarded to Inna, Konstantin, Greg, and Serkan in recognition of their continued commitment and contributions to Rotary’s ideals.
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October 1st, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 1 October 2025, Rotary Club Sofia International held its second formal meeting of the Rotary year 2025/2026 at the Hilton Hotel. The gathering brought together 13 members for an evening of fellowship, discussion, and celebration of achievements.
Following a productive exchange on the club’s ongoing initiatives and current challenges, the meeting continued with a special moment of recognition. Mrs. Hristina Malchevska and Mrs. Ani Hristova proudly presented Paul Harris Fellow pins to eight of our members in appreciation of their dedication and generous contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
We also welcomed a visitor from Rotary Club Hurlingham, Nairobi, Kenya, with whom we had the pleasure of performing a flag exchange, further strengthening our international Rotary friendships.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was warm and inspiring, reflecting the true spirit of Rotary. Members shared ideas, laughter, and plans for the upcoming months, reinforcing both friendships and commitment to service. It was a truly pleasant evening of fellowship and recognition, reminding us once again of the impact we can make together.
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September 27th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On Saturday, 27 September 2025, members of Rotary Club Sofia International – Ms. Ani Hristova, Mr. Rumen Roussinov, and Mr. Boyan Griffen – visited the National Field Hockey Team for Children with Intellectual Disabilities. Intellectual disability, or ID, refers to certain limitations in cognitive functioning and skills, including conceptual, social, and practical abilities.
Watching the team in action was an exhilarating experience, combining athleticism, strategy, and team spirit. The boys and girls, spanning a wide range of ages, impressed with their talent, speed, and determination. Their dedication shines through, supported by their families, coaches, and organizations such as Rotary Club Sofia International.
The event took place at the National Sports Academy on a cool, rainy autumn day. Despite the weather, the atmosphere was vibrant, with teams preparing for their matches and supporters cheering loudly, waving flags, and wearing team colors. The energy in the arena was contagious, with whistles, commentary, and chants filling the air.
During the weekend, the national team split into three squads for a series of matches. The games showcased quick reflexes, strategic positioning, and impressive coordination. Many of the uniforms and equipment, partly supported by Rotary Club Sofia International, highlighted the professionalism and spirit of the players.
Results of the matches:
- 25 September: NSA – Plovdiv 0:2
- 25 September: NSA – The Irreconcilables (Непримиримите) 3:7
- 26 September: Plovdiv – The Irreconcilables (Непримиримите) 5:3
Final ranking:
1st place – Plovdiv
2nd place – The Irreconcilables (Непримиримите)
3rd place – NSA
Our children participated in all three teams, so in our eyes, they are all winners.
Seeing firsthand the impact of Rotary’s support was deeply rewarding. Attending the matches was not only about observing a sport, but also about celebrating passion, teamwork, and inclusion. Rain or shine, the dedication and joy of the players made this event truly memorable.
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September 26th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 26 September 2025, the Rotary Club of Quatre Bornes Sodnac, Mauritius (District 9220), proudly celebrated its first anniversary. Chartered exactly one year earlier, the club has already demonstrated the remarkable impact that can be achieved when dedicated individuals and their families unite in service above self.
This milestone was not only a celebration of one year of Rotary service but also a tribute to the vision, commitment, and teamwork of the members who have worked tirelessly to establish a strong foundation for the future. Rotary Club Sofia International extends heartfelt congratulations to all members of the Rotary Club of Quatre Bornes Sodnac. Your dedication to Rotary ideals and enthusiasm for service are a true inspiration.
The anniversary was further enriched by the participation of Ms. Ani Hristova, Vice President of Rotary Club Sofia International, who attended virtually. She was warmly welcomed by Club President Mr. Kayseeven Teeroovengadum, who invited her to share greetings on behalf of our club. In his address, President Teeroovengadum presented the club’s achievements and outlined upcoming projects, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Rotary in Mauritius.
The program was skillfully conducted by Club Secretary Mrs. Ashwina Devi Torul, whose dedication ensured its success. Special greetings were extended to Mr. Kervin Thanacody and to Mr. Kavishen Teeroovengadum, who also celebrated his birthday the following day. A warm welcome was given to the club’s newest member, Mrs. Bihisht Mautadin, who was inducted into the Rotary family during this memorable occasion. The joyful presence of Mr. Rodney Castel brought additional warmth and positivity to the gathering, embodying the Rotary spirit of fellowship and service with joy.
On behalf of Rotary Club Sofia International, Ms. Hristova conveyed our deepest congratulations and best wishes to the Rotary Club of Quatre Bornes Sodnac. We look forward to future opportunities for collaboration, shared projects, and lasting friendship. Bulgaria awaits you with open arms.
The online celebration not only marked the accomplishments of the past year but also looked ahead with optimism to greater achievements to come. Together, let us continue to unite for good and uphold the Rotary spirit of service above self.
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September 24th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
The first official meeting of the new Rotary year took place on 24 September 2025 at the Hilton Hotel, marking a vibrant beginning for the club. Ten members attended in person, one joined online, and three guests participated, including two visiting Rotarians.
President Claude Badane opened the evening by reflecting on the twelve lively informal summer gatherings held at Raketa Rakia Bar. He celebrated the dynamic spirit that characterized these meetings, the diversity of international guests who joined, and the clubs our members visited throughout the summer. Several flag exchanges during these visits further strengthened Rotary bonds across the globe.
The highlight of the evening was an inspiring guest lecture by Mr. Christian Clauwers from Rotary Club Antwerpen Oost, titled “The Climate Crisis and the Future of Our History.”
Mr. Clauwers, a Belgian photographer, explorer, and environmental advocate, shared striking insights from his expeditions across the polar regions and oceans. His presentation offered a compelling look at the fragile relationship between humanity and nature, reminding us of Rotary’s global commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
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September 17th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 17 September 2025, Rotary Club Sofia International held its final summer meeting of the season at Raketa Rakia Bar.
We were delighted to once again welcome Mr. Borislav Vassilev, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Bulgaria in Cape Town, South Africa, and esteemed member of Rotary Club Blouberg, District 9350.
Mr. Vassilev shared warm greetings from our fellow Rotarians in Blouberg. We were especially touched by the kind gesture of Mrs. Helene Visser, who presented our Club with thoughtful gifts and a commemorative plaque. The recognition we received for our contribution to their Global Grant project in education was a true honor and a cause close to our hearts.
Further details about the event can be found here: Read more.
With the close of the summer season, Rotary Club Sofia International will resume its official weekly meetings starting 24 September 2025. Our primary meeting venue will once again be the Hilton Hotel, with an additional location announced each month.
We warmly invite all Rotarians and friends of Rotary to join us every Wednesday for fellowship, service, and meaningful exchange.
For attendance and further information, please contact us at info@rc-si.org.
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September 10th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
Our eleventh informal summer gathering was highlighted by a truly delightful evening in the company of our dear friends, Mr. Borislav Vasilev and Mrs. Nevena Ivanova. Their presence added warmth and spirit to the occasion, making the evening both memorable and meaningful.
During the meeting, our Secretary, Domagoj Stefan, shared his experiences and impressions from his recent visits with fellow Rotarians in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. His stories of hospitality, fellowship, and international cooperation sparked engaging conversations and reminded us of the strength of Rotary’s global network. It was inspiring to reflect on how personal connections and club exchanges help us grow not only as Rotarians but also as friends united in service.
As the summer season draws to a close, it is remarkable to look back at how quickly these months have passed, filled with informal gatherings that kept our fellowship alive. With autumn just around the corner, we are now preparing to resume our official meetings in only two weeks’ time. The excitement is building, and we look forward to entering the new season with renewed energy, fresh ideas, and the strong spirit of community that defines our club.
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September 8th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 7 September 2025, our Secretary, Mr. Domagoj Stefan, had the joy of meeting fellow Rotarians from Rotary Club Bishkek, District 2430, Kyrgyzstan.
The gathering took place in the welcoming and cozy atmosphere of MOQA restaurant, providing a perfect setting for friendship and fellowship. Conversations flowed easily as we exchanged stories about life in our countries, shared experiences from our respective clubs, and discussed ongoing service initiatives. The dialogue also opened doors for exploring opportunities for closer cooperation and possible visits between our clubs in the future.
The warmth and openness of our hosts reflected the very best of Rotary values. It was inspiring to hear about the meaningful work being carried out by Rotary Club Bishkek in their community, and to discover many areas where our clubs share common goals and interests.
This enriching afternoon served not only as a chance to strengthen international Rotary ties but also as a reminder of the unifying power of Rotary across cultures and borders. We are truly grateful for the hospitality of Rotary Club Bishkek and look forward to many more opportunities to build on this friendship and cooperation.
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September 4th, 2025 - posted in News and Events.
On 3 September 2025, our Secretary, Mr. Domagoj Stefan, had the pleasure of visiting Rotary Club Almaty International, District 2430, Kazakhstan.
He was warmly welcomed by their Vice President, Mrs. Madina Kadyrkyzy Kossay, in the elegant setting of Hotel Rixos Almaty, a perfect backdrop for Rotary friendship and exchange.
The evening brought together Rotarians from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the international spirit of Rotary. Discussions touched upon ongoing service projects, the importance of building cross-border understanding, and opportunities for cooperation between our clubs. Inspiring stories were shared about how Rotary continues to make a difference in local communities across Kazakhstan, as well as throughout the wider District 2430 region.
This visit was more than just a meeting – it was a reminder of the strength of Rotary’s global network and the friendships that arise from it. We are deeply grateful for the hospitality and warmth shown by Rotary Club Almaty International and look forward to welcoming their members to one of our future gatherings, strengthening the bonds of fellowship and service between our clubs.
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