June 27th, 2023 - posted in News and Events.
We’re delighted to share the heartwarming news that our ID Field Hockey team has returned from the Special Olympics as proud silver medalists! The journey was nothing short of inspiring, and the Rotary Club Sofia International, was there to extend a warm welcome back to these exceptional athletes. Ms. Hristova, Mr. Dale, Mr. Stefan, Mr. Rusinov, and Mr. Tzaribachev were all on hand at the airport to personally welcome the delegation.
This remarkable achievement took place on the grand stage of the Special Olympics, where our team’s dedication and hard work shone brightly. Their exceptional performance secured them the silver medal, a testament to their unwavering spirit and athletic prowess.
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June 25th, 2023 - posted in News and Events.
Our friend, Mr. Plamen Belchev, from the Association “Children with Onco-Hematologic Diseases,” organized a rock fest in front of the Rehabilitation Center in Opitsvet village. The event featured exhilarating performances by Bulgarian rock bands and drew a large crowd of children who enjoyed a range of games and activities. To keep everyone fueled, a food court and cocktails booth were set up.
Representing our club at this event were Ms. Ani Hristova, Ms. Mariam Melikyan with her friend, Mr. Rumen Rusinov, and Dr. Nikolay Tzaribachev. For Mariam and Nikolay, this marked their first visit to the Rehabilitation Center, and they were deeply impressed by what they saw.
Mr. Belchev, the driving force behind the event, had many guests, but he consistently made time for our group. He shared the story of his efforts and achievements, as well as his plans for the future. One notable project is the construction of a photovoltaic plant, which holds the promise of reducing the Rehabilitation Center’s electricity costs. We extend our best wishes for his success in this endeavor, as it will significantly benefit the Rehabilitation Center.
To all dear friends of Rotary Club Sofia International, if you wish to provide financial support for this project, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your contributions will be greatly appreciated.
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June 24th, 2023 - posted in News and Events.
From June 16th to June 23rd, the Rotary Friendship Exchange program in Germany brought together eight members from five Bulgarian Rotary clubs. This exchange followed a visit by friends from Germany to various Bulgarian cities, including Sofia, Sliven, Burgas, Kazanlak, Plovdiv, Blagoevgrad, Dupnitsa, and Gorna Banya earlier in April, where they were warmly welcomed into the homes of their Bulgarian friends.
The Bulgarian delegation visiting Germany represented several Bulgarian Rotary clubs, including Rotary Club Sofia International (with three members: Ms. Ani Hristova, Mr. Grant Dale, and Mr. Serkan Halil), Rotary Club Dupnitsa (1 member – Mrs. Iliyana Vakavchieva), Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan (1 member – Ms. Vasilena Pirinska), Rotary Club Samokov (1 member – Mr. Radoslav Naydenov), and two representatives from Rotary Club Burgas-Primorye-Kamen and Alexander Filipov.
Part of the visit revolved around the participation in the District Conference of District 1950 “Thuringia-Franconia” in the beautiful city of Lohr am Main. It’s noteworthy that there were four German-speaking friends in the Bulgarian group, leading the organizers to choose Bulgarian with German translation instead of English for presentations.
A significant moment during the exchange was the traditional ceremonial handover of the governor’s chain from Mr. Elmar Zoepfer, District Governor 2022-2023, to Mr. Stephan Küchenmeister, District Governor 2023-2024. The exchange concluded with best wishes for Stephan’s term, with Bulgaria offering its support.
Throughout their stay in Germany, the Bulgarian delegation visited various German Rotary clubs, including RC Hochstadt an Aisch with President Mr. Günter Greiner as their warm host, RC Bamberg, RC Bamberg-Domreiter, and RC Bamberg-Schloss Geyerswörth, where they enjoyed a fascinating city tour in this historic town with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town.
They also visited Rotary Club Herzogenaurach, met Mr. Puma – Helmut Fischer, and learned about the history of the Puma company. Rotary Club Erfurt-Gloriosa, Rotary Club Altenburg, and Rotary Club Karlstadt-Arnstein were other stops during the visit, with each club warmly welcoming the Bulgarian delegation.
Meetings were organized where all Bulgarian clubs had the opportunity to present their past, current, and future projects. The primary focus was on addressing the issue of outdated medical equipment in several Bulgarian hospitals. Projects presented included the initiative by Rotary Club Dupnitsa for their city hospital and the MED-BUL project of Rotary Club Sofia International, aimed at providing medical equipment to hospitals throughout Bulgaria.
In addition to club presentations, the Bulgarian group explored museums, castles, cultural centers, and participated in the weekly meetings of their host clubs. The atmosphere was characterized by warmth and friendliness, as the hosts dedicated their efforts to ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable stay for their Bulgarian guests.
This exchange has not only fostered strong connections but also laid the foundation for continued collaboration between the friends from Germany and the members of the Bulgarian group and their respective Rotary clubs, especially in matters related to important Rotary projects.
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June 22nd, 2023 - posted in News and Events.
During our meeting on June 21st, we eagerly began with the announcement of our ID team’s outstanding achievements. Our President was eager to share the already celebrated results:
- Bulgaria 4:2 Germany
- Bulgaria 5:0 Chile
- Bulgaria 2:0 Paraguay
- Bulgaria 2:0 Czech Republic
- Bulgaria 4:1 Great Britain
- Bulgaria 5:4 Pakistan
These incredible results have filled us with immense pride for our ID team and their dedicated trainers. The team has been giving their all, even though they still have six more matches to play. We anxiously await their return and look forward to welcoming them at Sofia Airport on Monday, June 26th, at 19:00h.
The 10 individuals present at the meeting couldn’t contain their happiness upon hearing about the team’s performance, and they enthusiastically applauded the announcement. Additionally, the meeting was attended by four guests:
- Dr. Nikolay Tzaribachev – Candidate Member
- Mr. Domagoj Stefan – Candidate Member
- Mr. Greg Sharpe – Candidate Member
- Ms. Elisaveta Lachina – Candidate Member
Following this, our President recounted some moments from our unofficial meeting held at “Granatus Bakery and Café” on June 14, 2023, and shared a photo from the gathering. Members and guests had the opportunity to savor Adjarian Khachapuri, expertly prepared by our member Mariam and her mother, who own the bakery. Our sincere thanks go out to Mariam for her hospitality. (More information here)
The President also provided updates on the MED-Bul project for wound treatment and the e-learning platform. Our friends from Rotary Club Witten-Hohenstein are seeking support for the project, and new participants for e-learning are encouraged to join.
The board of Rotary Club Sofia International made a generous donation of 500 BGN to Rotary Club Berkovitsa in support of disaster relief efforts following flooding. In addition, Mr. Claude and Mrs. Ina Badan, along with Mr. Grant Dale and Ms. Ani Hristova, each contributed 200 BGN to aid in this cause. We extend our gratitude to these friends for their generosity.
Our President also extended an invitation from the Rehabilitation Center for Children with Onco-Hematological Diseases. This event, titled “To Welcome the Summer”, is scheduled for June 24th in Opicvet. The Center has organized a variety of games starting from 16:00h, followed by a rock concert at 18:00h.
During the meeting, our President shared several pictures from the visits of our members and Rotaractors in Paris, along with images from the Rotary exchange program involving our members in Germany. We even had a brief online meeting with Rotary Club Altenburg, where our members Ani, Grant, and Serkan were in attendance.
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June 15th, 2023 - posted in News and Events.
On June 14th, our club meeting was hosted at “Granatus Bakery and Café,” a delightful establishment owned by Ms. Mariam Melikyan and her family. The cafe is situated at 33 “Iskar” Street in Sofia.
This bakery, offers a delightful selection of pastries, including traditional Armenian treats and some unique creations based on Mariam’s mother’s recipes.
During our meeting, we had the pleasure of savoring Adjarian Khachapuri.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mariam for her hospitality, and Rotary Club Sofia International wholeheartedly recommends “Granatus Bakery and Café” to all.
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June 12th, 2023 - posted in News and Events.
On June 11th, the ID field hockey team received heartfelt best wishes and words of encouragement. Ms. Hristova and Mr. Dale met with our ID hockey players who will proudly represent us at the Special Olympics in Berlin.
The entire delegation, comprising over 80 athletes, was accommodated at the Marinela Hotel in Sofia. The children were filled with excitement and joy because they now had two sets of sports equipment. One set, specifically for the Special Olympics, was generously provided by Rotary Club Sofia International. The other set, meant for daily use, was organized with the support of Noble House, Flair, Ms. Ani Hristova, and Mr. Grant Dale.
We extend our heartfelt best wishes to all of you! Rotary Club Sofia International takes immense pride in your achievements. Once again, special thanks are extended to your dedicated trainers, Mr. Dimitar Georgiev and Mr. Georgi Angelov.
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June 8th, 2023 - posted in News and Events.
We have entered the final month of this Rotary year, and on June 7th, we convened at the splendid new “Cherni Vrah” hall within the Hilton Sofia Hotel. The meeting was attended by 13 individuals, comprising 11 club members and 2 guests: Dr. Nikolay Tzaribachev – Candidate Member (online) and Mr. Domagoj Stefan – Candidate member.
Our President commenced the proceedings with an update on the fundraising event, showcasing significant moments from the occasion and the eagerly awaited announcement of the total funds collected. Notably, the last contribution that propelled us to the required amount was generously donated by our candidate member, Dr. Nikolai Tzaribachev. We are exceptionally proud to declare that the funds gathered from the event sum up to 12,170 BGN. These funds will suffice to address the pressing financial needs of the National Field Hockey team for children with Intellectual Disabilities participating in the Special Olympics, as well as the Bulgarian Field Hockey Federation’s journey to the World Games of Special Olympics in Berlin. The allocation of the collected amount is as follows:
– 6,175 BGN for the hall rent, coaches, travel expenses, and food of the Bulgarian Field Hockey Federation.
– 6,000 BGN for training suits and equipment for the Special Olympics games.
Additionally, we shared the news of generous donations of regular training suits, shoes, and other gifts for the team from Noble House, Flair, Ms. Ani Hristova, and Mr. Grant Dale, with pictures from the handover ceremony displayed on the screen.
An update followed regarding our donation as part of Rotary Club Gorna Banya’s initiative to assist Ukrainian families by collecting aid in the form of clothes, shoes, and toys for children aged 2 to 12 years. Pictures of the purchased items and a Certificate of Appreciation from Rotary Club Gorna Banya were also shared.
Furthermore, it was announced that there would be no meeting the following Wednesday, but instead, we would gather informally at Mariam’s bakery – “Granatus”, situated at 33, Iskar str. in Sofia.
Our President took the opportunity to acknowledge the presence of three Past Presidents at the meeting and presented them with Past President plaques. The recipients of these plaques were:
– Mr. Stamen Tassev – President of Rotary Club Sofia International 2007/2008
– Mr. Horst Stüer – President of Rotary Club Sofia International 2016/2017
– Mr. Enrico Repouz – President of Rotary Club Sofia International 2018/2019
It was recounted how the initiative to support a sports team had its origins. It was during Enrico’s tenure that he took the initiative to create a sitting volleyball team for disabled individuals. A team was assembled, coaches and a training facility were secured, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the venture, which has now been reborn as a field hockey team for children with intellectual disabilities.
The meeting concluded with a presentation by our esteemed friend, Mr. Hristina Malchevska – Chairman of the International Service Committee at District 2482, who introduced their project – Danube Alliance. The project’s aim is to promote teamwork and foster lasting friendships through the execution of humanitarian and charitable projects aligned with the seven areas of focus of Rotary International. She detailed the project’s objectives and impressive accomplishments. Her team successfully brought together Rotary clubs from the Danube River region in the city of Vidin, where they established the foundations and strategies of the alliance. Ms. Ani Hristova and Ms. Nevena Ivanova from the Sofia International family are also part of this team. Congratulations, ladies!
The special day could not be concluded without presenting a cake to Ms. Ani Hristova for her birthday – Happy Birthday, dear Ani!
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June 4th, 2023 - posted in News and Events.
On June 3rd, the Rotary Club Sofia Balkan celebrated its 20th Anniversary. The event took place at the Astoria Hotel, Sofia and it was attended by Ms. Ani Hristova. The Rotary Club Sofia Balkan was established on May 26, 2003, and has been tirelessly promoting Rotary values in society. Motivated by the desire to make the world a better place to live, club members set numerous annual goals and tasks in this direction.
Currently, the Rotary Club Sofia Balkan has established traditions and actively participates in local public life. They presented their initiatives for the benefit of society, including educational and sports projects, seminars, and training programs. They also engage in visits to clubs both within the country and abroad. The Rotary Club Sofia Balkan emphasizes its work with the Rotary Foundation and its involvement with youth Interact and Rotaract clubs, for which it acts as a sponsor.
One of their primary projects focuses on a basketball team of individuals in wheelchairs.
On the event, the Cause was for collecting funds for the only one wooden church in Bulgaria, located in Borovets. More information here.
Many Rotarians from Serbia also attended the celebration. The atmosphere, the musical program, and the sense of friendship were truly wonderful.
Happy 20th Birthday to our dear friends at the Rotary Club Sofia Balkan!
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June 1st, 2023 - posted in News and Events.
The first meeting after the Fundraising event was held on May 31, 2023, at the Hilton Hotel. There were 16 attendees, comprising 10 club members and 6 guests: Mr. Rumen Markov (guest speaker), Mrs. Zhivka Nikolova, Dr. Nikolay Tzaribachev (Candidate Member), Mr. Atanas Andreev, Mr. Greg Sharpe, and Mr. Nasko Balaktchiev.
During the month of May, some of our club members participated in another significant Rotary event. Our President commenced the presentation with a summary of the Annual Conference of District 2482, held from May 12 to 14 at the “Thracian Residence Starosel.” Three of our members attended this conference: Mrs. Hristina Malchevska, Ms. Ani Hristova, and Mr. Rumen Rusinov. The President of our Rotaract club, Ms. Nevena Ivanova, was also present. Our members had the opportunity to showcase their projects within the District. Mrs. Malchevska, who heads the International Service Committee, presented the extensive “Danube Alliance” project. Ms. Hristova highlighted the achievements of the Rotary Friendship Exchange program, while Ms. Ivanova discussed the RotaRun project of the Rotaractors. We take great pride in their accomplishments. During the conference, our club was recognized as a model for the proper use of the Rotary logo. More information can be found here.
At the event, our President and Ms. Hristova met with the special guest of the conference, Mr. Bjarne Eilsoe-Jørgensen, the 2023 RI Training Leader. They were specifically requested to translate from Bulgarian to English for Mr. Jørgensen and his spouse. They are wonderful people, and we hope to welcome them to our club, whether virtually or in person. The conference took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, and it was decided to increase the Yearly District Tax per Rotary member from 60 to 95 BGN. Pictures from the event were displayed.
The presentation was followed by a comprehensive update on the Fundraising event, including numerous pictures and impressions from the charity evening, as well as recognition of the many sponsors. Donations continued to pour into our account even after the event, with the collected amount now totaling 11,670 BGN. Our President seized the opportunity to express gratitude to our sponsors and displayed a list of all of them on the screen. Certificates of appreciation were issued and presented to the sponsors.
One day before the meeting, our President, Mr. Rumen Rusinov, our President-elect Mr. Grant Dale, and Past President Ms. Ani Hristova met with the Director of Special Olympics, Mr. Hristo Hristozov, and the CEO of the Bulgarian Field Hockey Federation, Mr. Antonio Antonov, to discuss the urgent funding needs of the ID Team and how to allocate the collected funds. The Bulgarians need to cover 6,175 BGN for hall rent, coaches, travel expenses, and food, while Special Olympics needs to secure 6,000 BGN for equipment for the Special Olympics games. These funding requirements will be presented to the board for approval.
The presentation continued with an update on the Charity event at Meridian School 22, which celebrated its 30th anniversary. Our Interactors are based in this school, and our President shared impressions and photos from the event. The funds collected were dedicated to Music Schools in Shiroka Luka and Kotel. An address from District Governor Mrs. Violina Kostova about the achievements of the International Service Committee was presented to the meeting participants.
Our club donated 500 BGN to an initiative of Rotary Club Gorna Banya, which aims to assist Ukrainian families by collecting aid in the form of clothes, shoes, and toys for children aged 2 to 12 years, particularly those living in Sunny Beach. Several announcements followed, leading up to the long-awaited moment when our dear friend, Mr. Serkan Halil, officially became a new member of our club. Mr. Halil met the requirements outlined in our internal rules for club membership, with sponsorship from Mr. Grant Dale and Mr. Claude Badan. Congratulations to Serkan, and welcome to our family.
The meeting concluded with a captivating presentation by Mr. Rumen Markov on “Large Infrastructure Projects.” During this presentation, we gained insights into future plans for the TEN-T Corridor in Eastern Europe, extending from the Aegean Sea to the Baltic Sea, and project plans for the Danube River, spanning from Germany down to its delta. These projects represent a true Pan-European initiative, grounded in economic profitability models, and they aim to foster the growth of European economies.
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May 18th, 2023 - posted in News and Events.
On May 17th, the much-anticipated fundraising event took place at the National Museum of History. Notably, this event was organized not only by our club but also in collaboration with two other Rotary clubs – Rotary Club Sofia-Vitosha and Rotary Club Gorna Banya. This collaborative effort allowed us to invite more guests, sponsors, and donors to join in the cause. The event was held in the Sunny Hall of the National Museum of History, generously provided by the museum’s director, Prof. Dr. Bonnie Petrunova, thanks to the kind support of Mrs. Hristina Malchevska and her husband, Mr. Tihomir Malchevsky.
The event was made possible by several key contributors, including IFO Design, led by Mr. Ivo Ivanov, President of Rotary Club Gorna Banya, which handled the ticket printing. VIP Catering, along with the service provided by Mr. Plamen Latev, and the talented harp performer, Ms. Alexandrina Kushinchanova, introduced to us by Prof. Milena Shushulova of New Bulgarian University, added a touch of excellence to the occasion. Mineral water was generously donated by the “Temenuga” company and Rotary Club Sofia-Vitosha. Thanks to Ms. Ani Hristova, we enjoyed donated wine from Bononia Estate, which garnered praise as one of the finest Bulgarian wines.
Ms. Mariam Melikyan contributed sweet and savory treats from their Armenian bakery, Granatus, and Mrs. Hristina Malchevska provided desserts from McDonald/McCafé, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for all. Club members, guests, and sponsors also generously contributed items for the auction and raffle, resulting in a wide array of valuable items.
Our President, Mr. Rumen Rusinov, warmly welcomed guests at the hall entrance, setting the tone for a memorable evening. Ms. Nevena Ivanova, the President of our Rotaract club, skillfully organized Rotaractors from various clubs to assist with the sale of raffle tickets.
The event commenced with a cultural-historical tour at the museum, conducted in both English and Bulgarian, which began at 18:30. Many of the guests took advantage of the free tour and expressed their satisfaction afterward.
The official program started promptly at 19:00, with professional event moderator Ms. Angelina Grozdeva providing the opening remarks. She introduced the cause of supporting the National field hockey team for children with intellectual disabilities and explained the history of field hockey. Our President, Mr. Rumen Rusinov, extended a warm welcome to the guests, expressing gratitude for their support and offering insights into Rotary, the club, and the cause.
Subsequently, Professor Antonio Antonov, CEO of the Bulgarian Field Hockey Federation, and Mr. Hristo Hristozov, Chairman of Special Olympics Bulgaria, took the stage. Mr. Dimitar Georgiev, the team’s trainer, shared insights into the training process. Following that, the Presidents of Rotary Club Sofia Vitosha, Mrs. Veneta Platikanova, and Rotary Club Gorna Banya, Mrs. Tsvetelina (Lina) Maimarova, also extended their welcome to the guests. Special guests included the Ambassador of Mongolia to Bulgaria, H.E. Mrs. Sayanaa Lkhagvasuren, and six children from our ID team.
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to performances by harpist Ms. Alexandrina Kushinchanova, who provided musical accompaniment, and violinist Ms. Diana Chausheva, who received earlier support from Rotary Bulgaria.
Despite heavy rain hampering the athletes’ intended demonstration on the outdoor field, guests had the opportunity to interact with them and take photos. The evening was thoroughly enjoyable, and after the musical performances, the charity auction, led by the moderator and Mr. Rumen Rusinov, commenced. A wide array of fantastic items from our sponsors were up for bid. The event then transitioned into the raffle. Notably, Mrs. Linda Kim had specially prepared homemade pasta under the name L’Arte della Pasta, Burberry Stile, which was won by the president of Rotary Club Samokov, attending the event with his family. Some guests even won multiple items. Our friends from Noble House announced their intention to donate sports equipment for the team, along with Flair Company. Food storage Stodja thoughtfully prepared two beautiful baskets filled with Greek sweets.
The evening concluded at around 21:30. Subsequently, we received numerous positive feedback, which warms our hearts and inspires us to continue supporting important causes. As of now, the collected funds amount to just over 10,000 BGN, with expectations of more contributions in the coming days.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all our sponsors, including Bononia Estate, MC Donalds/MC Café, VIP Catering, Turmed, Peperuda company, Alberto Staykov – the photographer of Macondo, IFO Design Printing house, Bakery Granatus, Sunray Publishing Company, Rusexim Publishing Company, Gergana Rusinova, Rotaract Club Sofia International, Gergana Mineva Art, New Bulgarian University, Violinist Diana Chausheva, Anelia Taleb, Patricia, and Ameb Beauty Center, Hilton Sofia, Sportal, NetInfo, 24 Часа, Noble House, Food storage Stodja, Flair, National Museum of History, Hinapska alcoholic beverages manufacturer, Honorary Consulate of Guatemala, Doctor Nikolai Tsaribashev, Rotaract Sofia International, Rotary Clubs Sofia Vitosha and Gorna Banya, RC Harmanli, Tanya Gerova, Valeri Karamanov, Tsvetelina Hristova, Hristo Petrov, Rossica Shiderova, Harp player Alexandrina Kushinchanova, and moderator Angelina Grozeva.
Rotary Club Sofia International expresses its heartfelt thanks to all of them for their support and contributions to this meaningful event.
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