Dear Rotarians,
It is with great pleasure that we bring you another edition of our newsletter. I would like to sincerely thank each of you—not only for your interest in reading these pages but also for your valuable contributions that keep our newsletter vibrant and inspiring. Every club story, personal experience, or successful project helps spread Rotary values and motivates others to continue serving.
Very soon, we will meet at PETS (the President-Elect Training Seminar), an essential step in preparing for this important leadership role. Beyond its educational value, PETS also offers the opportunity to build new friendships and find encouragement for our continued meaningful, generous, and impactful service.
In this issue, you will also find information about several upcoming events—our newsletter is filled with invitations from clubs and fellowships to both small and large gatherings.
And don’t miss our latest podcast! This time, our Governor Elect, Jan Bílek from the Rotary Club Jičín Nymburk, shares his experiences, plans, and insights.
I hope you enjoy reading this edition!
With Rotary greetings,
Katarína Čechová
Editor-in-Chief, D2240 Newsletter
The sad news of Maruška's passing was announced by the Rotary Club of Přerov.
On 23rd February 2025, one of the founding members of the Rotary Club Přerov, Mrs Marie Dytrychová, passed away after a long and difficult illness.
We thank Maruška for everything she accomplished in her life!
Dear friends,
Many of you have participated in the PETS/DŠS conferences in Olomouc in the past. The very first one was held in honour of our friend Vladimír Adámek – and this year marks ten years since then. Some of you may still remember two participants who entertained you with tales about Haná customs, traditional costumes, and everything associated with Haná.
Honza Krejčí and his friend Mira are co-authors of the book "Malé královské sênek", which is a retelling of Exupéry's Little Prince in the Haná dialect. This book was made possible through the support of Martina Dlabajová, also a Rotarian, who has long been helping to translate the Little Prince into various dialects.
Over the past few weeks, Rotaract Hradec Králové has been actively engaging with various organizations to plan and support meaningful projects.
On February 16, we met with Děti v Akci, an organization dedicated to helping children. Later that same day, we joined Děti v Akci at DDÚ Hradec Králové, where we worked together to plan specific activities for the children. As a result of this collaboration, we are organizing two exciting outings for the kids on May 24 and 25 — one day at a salt cave and another at the zoo. Additionally, in mid-July, Děti v Akci will be taking the children on a trip to the Jizera Mountains, where we will also participate and assist.
On February 17, we had a meeting with Rotary Club Hradec Králové, where we presented some of our past and future projects. This gathering also included Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) inbound students, who delivered engaging presentations about their home countries. It was a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange and networking.
On March 1, we met with Prostor Pro, an organization with which we have been coordinating for an upcoming festival. We are excited to be part of this event and contribute to its success.
Our recent activities have strengthened our partnerships and allowed us to make a real impact. Stay tuned for more updates!
On Saturday, 22nd February 2025, the XVII. Charity Ball of the Rotary Club Ostrava International took place at the Imperial Hotel – an evening filled with elegance, great music, wonderful entertainment, and above all, solidarity, this time in the presence of the legendary Elvis Presley.
During the ball, there was a ceremonial presentation of cheques. Alongside the Rotary Club Ostrava, we presented the proceeds from the charitable sale of Christmas punch held at Masaryk Square. We successfully raised a total of CZK 500,000, which was distributed among organisations that assist those in need:
My Exchange Programme in Mexico: 6 Months of Unforgettable Experiences
For the past six months, I have been living my dream in Mexico, and I must say that this exchange programme has been the best experience I have ever had. Each day brings something new and fascinating. From incredible friendships to Mexican cuisine, from excursions to studying at a fantastic school – everything here is simply amazing.
In January, I had the opportunity to join, along with two other exchange students, the Rotary mission HHART in the Dominican Republic. This mission provides medical and dental care in Haitian villages. Everything that HHART does is beautifully described on their website: HHART – Hispaniola Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Team.
The arrival in the Dominican Republic was joyful. A bus picked us up from the crowded airport, and we set off for the town of Sosúa, where we stayed for the entire week. Along the way, we were accompanied by warm weather, music, and plenty of motorbikes. I will remember the Dominican Republic as a place full of life. Unfortunately, not everyone is so fortunate. In the Dominican Republic, there are Haitian communities that face difficult living conditions due to the local political situation, and we came to help them.
After nearly three months, we gathered again for our second Rotary orientation, a very special event that helped us recharge our energy during a challenging time in our exchange journey: Christmas. To celebrate, we met in the beautiful city of Prague.
Join us for the Open European Championship in Rotary Golf from June 30, 2025, to July 4, 2025, in Brno and its surroundings.
We already have 87 registered golfers, and with non-golfing participants, the total number of registered attendees has reached 100, representing not only Europe but also countries such as the USA, Australia, Africa, India, and Bangladesh.
All useful information and registration details can be found on the IGFR Europe website: https://igfr-europe.com/brno-2025/
Katarína Čechová
Chair of the Organizing Committee EOC Brno 2025
RC Bratislava International
The deadline to submit an application for the DISTRICT GRANT for the 2025/2026 year is 31st March 2025.
The application form: https://forms.gle/fSWshjSqmpa54ybi6
The District Training Assembly (DŠS) and the President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) will take place on 21st and 22nd March 2025, traditionally at the Flora Hotel in Olomouc (Krapkova 439/34, 779 00 Olomouc).
The online meeting will take place on 27th March from 18:00 to 21:00.
Presentations by participants will commence at 17:30.
The event is organised by Rotary Youth Exchange Czechia and ROTEX.
We would like to remind all representatives of clubs in District 2240 that have received grants for the implementation of district projects during the 2024/2025 financial year, that they are required to prepare and submit their final report by 30th April 2025.
The District Conference will take place from the 16th to the 17th of May 2025 in Ostrava.
RYLA 2025 will take place from October 15 to 19, 2025, in Kopřivnice.
Theme: "If not me, then who?"
THE FACULTY OF MUSIC AND DANCE OF THE ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS PRAGUE / ROTARY CLUB PRAGUE CITY / ROTARY CLUB LJUBLJANA-CENTRE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO A BENEFIT CONCERT "THE WHITE ROSE HAS GROWN FOR ME" FOLK SONGS AND DANCES FROM THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVENIA.
The 4th edition of the joint project of Czech and Slovenian Rotarians, YOUNG TALENTS IN CONCERT, in support of music and dance students from Prague and Ljubljana, will take place on 27 March 2025 at 7 PM (entry from 6:30 PM) in the Gallery Hall, Liechtenstein Palace (home of HAMU), Malostranské náměstí 258/13, Prague.
Further details can be found in the attachments.
LINK TO Participation Confirmation Form for the Benefit Concert:
https://forms.gle/GJqDEMvEJq3okuzi9
LINK TO Confirmation of Participation Form for the Benefit Concert:
https://forms.gle/RNgp7y7wt2wXHP9f8
The ICC Czech-Slovak-Armenia invites all Rotarians and non-Rotarians to an extraordinary journey to explore the beauty, history, wine, and gastronomy of Armenia.
The itinerary includes visits to the most interesting historical landmarks of Armenia and exceptional culinary experiences.
Arrival in Yerevan is on 27th April 2025, and departure is on 6th May 2025.
Rotary Club Praga Ekumena invites you to a special thematic evening, "A Walk Through Kosher Cuisine," with insights into Jewish customs in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The evening will feature a twelve-course tasting menu accompanied by a selection of kosher wines.
Dear Rotary friends and supporters of RC Valtice - Břeclav,
RC Valtice - Břeclav is pleased to invite you to the 20th edition of the social-sporting event "By Bicycle or on Foot around the LVA" (LVA = Lednice-Valtice Area).
The event will take place from 23rd to 25th May 2025 in the beautiful surroundings of the Lednice-Valtice Area and the Blue Hills, along the wine cycling routes around Velké Pavlovice. This year, we are also excited to include the "2nd edition of the district project CYKLOTOUR 2025 Rotary Club."
The route for cyclists will be along the cycling paths and forest roads of the LVA and the Velkopavlovice wine region.
Golf Tournament complemented by a gourmet dinner, organised by Maruška Jehličková on 23rd May 2025.
Golf Tournament for Žatecký Klokánek FOD, organised by Jiří Bureš on 13th June 2025.
Charity tournament in Terezín. Organised by Jindřich Vinkler on 19th August 2025.
Course: Golf Resort CIHELNY, Březová near Karlovy Vary on 12th September 2025.
Rotary Golf Hukvaldy 2025, organised by Ivo Franc on 19th September 2025.
Dear Rotary friends and golfers,
I am delighted to inform you about several exciting international golf events taking place this year.
I believe that many of you will attend at least some of them and once again experience the unique atmosphere of Rotary events - this time in a social-sporting context.
For our members who are golfers (as well as guests), the most important event, which will be held for the first time in our district, is:
1. The European Rotary Golf Championship from 30th June to 5th July 2025.
Dear ITFR Members,
we are excited to celebrate 20 years of ITFR!
Please save the date for our 2nd ITFR European Open Championship on 17th –21st September 2025. in Pula, CROATIA.
You can find more details on our web site and here as well:
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Tomislav Maravic, ITFR World Tour Director
You can listen to the interview with DGE, Jan Bílek, here: https://youtu.be/FfzqfgVNfhY?si=WLmGGhjz0maYuL4v
(English Subtitles)
Your suggestions and feedback are welcomed and will assist us in enhancing our newsletter. Please send them to us at news@rotary2240.org.
