(19 Oct) A Visit Filled with Friendship, Warmth and the Spirit of Rotary

Posted in News and Events. Written by Admin on October 19th, 2026

On 19 October 2026, Ani Hristova, President of Rotary Club Sofia International for 2026–2027 and Chair of the Rotary Friendship Exchange Subcommittee of District 2482, Bulgaria, had the pleasure of visiting Rotary Club Blagoevgrad Center at the kind invitation of Venko Papaliygov.

It was an evening that beautifully reflected the true spirit of Rotary – friendship, fellowship, meaningful conversations, and a shared commitment to building connections that reach beyond borders.

Ani was warmly welcomed by Past District Governor Borislav Kadrekov and Rotary Club Blagoevgrad Center President Todor Dimov. The meeting was also an excellent opportunity to meet fellow Rotarians and friends, including Blagoy Grozdanov, his wife Mariana Grozdanova, a prospective member of the club, Vasil Pipev, and Filka Ananieva. The evening brought together people whose enthusiasm for Rotary helps strengthen the bonds between clubs and communities.

The gathering took place at Frame Restaurant, owned by Rotarian Radoslav Mitrov, whom Ani also had the pleasure of meeting. His hospitality and excellent cuisine provided the perfect setting for an enjoyable meeting and the kind of conversations that remind us why Rotary friendships are so valuable.

Following this lovely visit, Ani Hristova would like to express her sincere gratitude to the members of Rotary Club Blagoevgrad Center for their participation in Rotary Friendship Exchange and for welcoming international visiting teams to Bulgaria. The club has already welcomed visiting teams from Germany, the United States, and Canada, helping international guests discover Bulgaria through the eyes of local Rotarians and experience the warmth of Bulgarian hospitality.

Rotary Friendship Exchange is much more than travelling from one country to another. It is about opening our homes, sharing our cultures, discovering new perspectives, and creating friendships that continue long after the journey ends. Every host club and every Rotarian who participates helps make this possible.

A special word of appreciation goes to Venko Papaliygov, whose kind invitation made this visit possible. His initiative created an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the friendships that unite Rotarians across Bulgaria. Such personal gestures are at the heart of Rotary – bringing people together, strengthening cooperation between clubs, and inspiring us to do even more together.

The visit was a genuinely enjoyable and meaningful experience, leaving a warm impression and strengthening the connection between Rotary Club Sofia International and Rotary Club Blagoevgrad Center.

Save the date: Rotary Club Blagoevgrad Center will host its Christmas Ball on 4 December 2026, an evening of festive celebration, fellowship, and Rotary friendship.

As Rotarians, we know that our greatest achievements begin with people who are willing to reach out, welcome others, and build bridges. This evening was a wonderful reminder that Rotary friendship has no borders – and that every meeting can be the beginning of something truly special.

United in friendship. Connected through Rotary. Inspired to serve.

For more information, contact us at info@rc-si.org.