Dear Readers,
We are reaching out to you after the summer holidays with a new issue of our newsletter. In this edition, you'll find updates on the activities over the summer, invitations to both domestic and international events, and important information regarding opportunities to maximize your club's contributions to the Rotary Foundation.
However, along with this positive and inspiring news, we must also share some serious and sad developments. More than a week several regions in both of our countries, particularly in northern Moravia and western and southwestern Slovakia, have been affected by severe flooding. Heavy rains caused rivers and streams to overflow, leading to significant property damage and tragic losses to human lives and livelihoods. Rotarians have been among those who have tirelessly contributed their support.
Unlike in past years when natural disasters have impacted our countries, this time, until the closing of this issue of the newsletter we haven't seen any public appeal from our Governor or the clubs in the affected areas for assistance. There has been no call to Rotarians willing and able to offer in-kind, financial, or other crucial support to families, individuals, schools, and welfare institutions that have suffered existential damage due to the floods.
Friends, clubs, and DG Josef,
we invite you to use also this newsletter as a platform to appeal for help, share information, and provide photo documentation. By doing so, you can help mobilize the strength and willingness of Rotarians and supporters to deliver much-needed material aid to the areas where it is most urgently required.
Unfortunately, natural disasters aren't the only challenges we face. In this issue, we also bring you troubling news that could harm the reputation of Rotary in our countries and weaken our members' trust in the integrity of Rotary's youth service in our district.
We ask you to read this edition with care and understanding.
Yours sincerely,
Katarína Čechová
Editor-in-Chief, D2240 Newsletter
We are currently facing a serious situation that could have catastrophic consequences for the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) program in our district. Our district governor, Josef Melecký, has submitted a request to Rotary International for the non-certification or revocation of RYE Czechia z.ú.'s full certification. This action not only jeopardizes the long-standing success and operation of the exchanges in our district, but it also directly threatens the reputation of District 2240, the trust of parents, students, schools, and cooperating foreign districts, as well as the expectations of our clubs and members for the proper and fair management of youth services and our district as a whole.
In the shadow of rising totalitarianism and the looming threat of Nazi Germany, Rotary clubs in Czechoslovakia faced unprecedented challenges. As other clubs across Europe were dissolved, the Rotary movement in Czechoslovakia strove to maintain its international influence, driven by leaders like František Král. However, the Munich Agreement in 1938 marked a turning point, leading to the eventual dissolution of many clubs and the loss of Czechoslovakia's strong Rotary presence.
Rotary Clubs can now significantly support international projects without significant organisational and competence inputs. With a one-time contribution of $100 from a club, the Rotary Foundation will add an additional $1,000 from the District Fund (DDF), and with the Rotary World Fund (WF), clubs can make significant contributions to global grants with a trans-regional impact. This funding model will allow clubs to engage in large-scale projects and provide inspiration for potential realisation of their own international activities.
Members of Rotary club Košice Country had the unique opportunity to meet with the former Slovak President Rudolf Schuster in his hometown of Medzev. The event offered insight into the cultural and historical legacy of his family, highlighting his lifelong dedication to preserving these values.
On 1st-4th August, Rotex representatives from around the world gathered in Brescia, Italy, for the fifth international convention.
The purpose of the convention was not only to meet and get to know each other, but above all, to share experiences, and establish friendships and collaborations. The event was fittingly held under the motto "A World of Opportunities". Our Rotex members, of course, attended this spectacular event, representing D2240.
"Five of us travelled to Italy. We couldn't miss the opportunity to participate in workshops and exchange valuable advice and experiences! The central topics we discussed with other Rotex representatives focused mainly on youth exchange, as well as Rotex’s position within RI and its future direction. A big thank you to the organisers from D2050 and, of course, to our district for the opportunity to participate," said Kája and Míša on behalf of Rotex D2240.
In 2026, the 6th international convention will take place in Argentina.
These days, the registrations of those interested in long-term exchange stays within the ROTARY exchange programmes are already underway.Information about the exchanges and the registration form can be found on the RYE2240.ORG website.
The big Day has arrived. On 11 August 2024 at 10:40 was scheduled my flight from Václav Havel Airport in Prague to Taiwan so I had to get up quite early in the morning. The check-in of the suitcases went very quickly and smoothly, so we still had time for my last meal in the Czech Republic. I ordered the biggest chocolate bomb they offered at Starbucks, and it slowly started to dawn on me that in a few minutes I would be leaving not only this cafe, but also this airport, this country, my family, my friends and everything I was used to and took for granted.
Dear Rotarian Fellows all over the world,
Warm greetings from the Rotary Club Budapest-Akadémia! We are thrilled to announce a unique and exciting gathering in the heart of Europe: the International Rotary Chess Tournament, scheduled from September 19 to 22, 2024, in Budapest, Hungary, alongside the closing days of the 45th Chess Olympiad organised in Budapest.
This special event is not just a tournament but a celebration of fellowship, intellect, and cultural richness. We invite you to join us in this grand meeting of minds, where you can compete in chess, witness the Olympiad's final rounds, and enjoy the historical and cultural splendors of Budapest.
The Autumn Grand Conference of the European Rotaract will take place in Luxembourg on 3–6 October 2024.
We invite you to an international golf tournament that helps.
Date: October 18-19, 2024
Location: Rioja, Spain
Registration: https://www.rotaryclubhorizon.org/es/xxiv-campeonato-de-espana-golf-rotary Antonio López 607087650 Eventos Rotary Club Horizon
Marie Jehličková
The Rotary Club of Istanbul's Best Essay Competition celebrates the launch of the Rotary International Peace Centre in Istanbul. The competition aims to promote meaningful discussions and critical thinking among young people aged 16-18. It seeks to create a global platform for ideas and perspectives of international participants on the topic of international peace.
Peace is essential for the well-being of humanity, the preservation of our planet, and the advancement of civilization. We hope to inspire young people to think about this topic and promote understanding between cultures.
Dear Club YEOs and Rotarians,
I would like to invite you to a work meeting of club Youth Service Officers (YEOs), organized by Rotary Youth Exchange Czechia, z.ú. (hereinafter referred to as "RYE CZ") This meeting will take place on Saturday 21/09/2024 in Kroměříž concurrently with the Orientation Meeting for inbound students coming for long-term exchanges for the 2024-25 season.
It is mandatory for the chair of each club’s youth service committee (YEO) or another designated member of the committee to attend this meeting if your club:
| DATE | NAME OF EVENT | LOCATION | ORGANIZED BY |
| 20-22/9/2024 | Orientation Meeting I. for inbounds | Kroměříž | RYE CZ |
| 21/9/2024 | YEO Work Meeting | Kroměříž | RYE CZ |
| 11-13/10/2024 | Rebound Meeting | Křižanov | RYE CZ |
| 3.11.2024 | Orientation Meeting I. for outbounds and their parents | Třebíč | RYE CZ |
| 22- 24/11/2024 | Orientation Meeting II. for outbounds | Kroměříž | RYE CZ |
| 6-8/12/2024 | Christmas Prague for inbounds Czechia + Slovakia | Praha | RYE CZ |
| 24-26/1/2025 | Winter Třebíč - inbounds CZ + SR | Třebíč | RYE CZ |
| 25.1.2025 | Mandatory training for club YEOs - submission of applications | Třebíč | RYE CZ |
| 16-22/3/2025 | SKIWEEK - INBOUNDS - CZ + SR | Vysoké Tatry | RYE CZ |
| 27.3.2025 | Orientation Meeting III. for outbounds and their parents | online | RYE CZ |
| april / may 2025 | EUROTOUR - INBOUNS CZ + SR | Europe | RYE CZ |
| District Conferenc - inbounds CZ + SR | RYE CZ | ||
| 29.5.-1.6.2025 | Orientation Meeting IV. for outbounds a inbounds CZ + SR | Křižanov u Velkého Meziříčí | RYE CZ |
| 11-15/6/2025 | FAREWELL WEEKEND - INBOUNDS CZ + SR | Jižní Morava | RYE CZ |
The Rotary Foundation Seminar 2024 will be held online on Zoom, with registration available from October.
Date: SATURDAY, 16th NOVEMBER 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
All clubs will receive a registration link via email, and it will also be posted on Facebook, in the Newsletter, and on the website. The seminar is open to all active and honorary members who register by the deadline. Attendance at the seminar is open to all members who are interested in the Rotary Foundation. This seminar is also a qualifying seminar, which means that club representatives can use it to qualify their clubs to participate in all Foundation programs in the 2025–2026 Rotary year.
We look forward to seeing you!
Hanka :-)
District Rotary Foundation Chair D2240
ARRFC Zone 21- Region 24
Mgr. Hana GAMROT
District Conference 16-17/5/2025, Ostrava
The HOLLEN Foundation and the Rotary Club Bratislava Danube are organising an exciting benefit concert, with proceeds going towards humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
The concert will feature the world-famous violinist Peter Michalica from the Rotary Club of Bratislava, the young talented Ukrainian pianist Mykola Myroshnychenko, and the excellent soloist of the Slovak National Theatre, Andrea Vizvári, who will accompany them on vocals.
The concert will take place on 26th September 2024 at the Arkady Hof Hotel Stupava (www.arkadyhof.sk) near Bratislava.
Proceeds from the benefit concert will be donated to the Rotary Club of Kyiv-Sophia, for the purpose of building a Therapy Garden in Kyiv. Therapy Garden is a large international project to convert an old clinic in Kiev into a modern clinic, which will contribute to the rehabilitation of psychologically war-traumatized people, especially soldiers returning from the front lines.
Dear Rotarians,
RC Košice Classic would like to invite you to a Charity Concert and Banquet, which will take place on 3rd October 2024 at 6.00 p.m. at the GES Club, Košice.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Denisa Hudáková
President of RC Košice Classic
We hereby invite all sports enthusiasts, recreational cyclists and Rotarians who are new to sport to the final stage of Cyklotour 2024.
Cyklotour is organized for the first year in cooperation with the clubs Valtice-Břeclav and Hradec Králové. The final cycling weekend will take place in Znojmo, on 4 – 6th October 2024.
RCPI Charity gala evening "Mammoth Hunt" in favor of organization MODRÝ KLÍČ, o.p.s.
When: Saturday, 9 November 2024
Where: NH Collection Prague CARLO IV, Senovážné náměstí 13, Praha 1
Invites you
Rotary Club of Prague Interntional
Your suggestions and feedback are welcomed and will assist us in enhancing our newsletter. Please send them to us at news@rotary2240.org.
