(11-12 May) Yearly Rotary District Bulgaria Conference at Stara Zagora

Posted in News and Events. Written by Grant Dale on May 12th, 2024

The Annual District Conference of Rotary Bulgaria, District 2482, took place at the Meridian Palace Hotel in Stara Zagora during the weekend of May 11-12, 2024.

The conference kicked off on Saturday morning with the introductory session titled “The Power of Good.” The event began with an official ceremony, followed by welcoming remarks from notable figures including the President of Rotary Club Stara Zagora – Beroe, the District Governor Mr. Christo Michailovsky, and the Mayor of Stara Zagora city. During this session, the District Governor highlighted the achievements and initiatives of the current Rotarian year, with a special focus on celebrating 90 years of Rotary in Bulgaria. The conference featured exhibitions showcasing the contributions of individuals who have shaped Rotary’s history in Bulgaria and highlighted significant projects undertaken over the years.

One of the standout presentations was by Rotary Club Stara Zagora – Beroe, which shared their impactful project called “United Against Drugs.” This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs among young adults through influencer campaigns, seminars, and communication activities. The project’s success demonstrated a best practice that could be scaled nationwide.

Another remarkable project was presented by Mrs. Hristina Malchevska, Past President of Rotary Club Sofia International. The project transformed the efforts of the sitting volleyball team “Sofia Owls” into a field hockey program for kids with intellectual disabilities. Thanks to Rotary Club Sofia International’s support, these young athletes participated in the Special Olympics in Berlin 2023, where they achieved remarkable results. The project received attention from the media and even garnered a special greeting from the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Rumen Radev.

Following a satisfying lunch, the conference continued with inspiring presentations from other Rotary Bulgaria initiatives. Notably, the “Secret Santa” project, led by Past District Governor Mrs. Violina Kostova, united Sofia’s Rotary clubs to provide Christmas presents for families in need. Collaborative efforts involving Rotaract and Interact clubs demonstrated how collective action can create a positive impact on society.

Rotary Club Sofia Balkan also showcased their long-standing project: basketball for disabled individuals. This initiative exemplified how sports can empower people in need and give meaning to their lives.

The conference concluded with engaging presentations from Interact and Rotaract, highlighting their year-round projects and their commitment to making a difference in Sofia and beyond.

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