Václav Veselý

President RC Telč

My name is Václav Veselý, and I have the honor of once again serving as the president of our club (2007/2008), which will celebrate the 20th anniversary of receiving its RI Charter next year. Our honorary speaker and "godfather" at that time was Senator Karel Schwarzenberg, whose words at the club’s founding on May 6, 2006, we recently recalled following his passing (see RGN No. 6/2023). Our club currently has 13 members, and we greatly appreciate the presence of five honorary members—mostly former members or active supporters of the club. Above all, we are a community of true friends.

With our organizational support and Rotary experience, we contributed to the establishment of our satellite club, Prague Golf NGW, in 2021. Thanks to its charitable activities, this club is undoubtedly among the leaders in our district. We are very proud of its members and the way they represent Rotary to the public.

We are a mixed club with four women among us, and our average member age is now 49 years. We consider ourselves not only numerically but also in spirit and activity a club of young Rotarians.

Our main long-term charitable activities include supporting the Mirákl organization, which provides hyporehabilitation for children with neurological disorders, as well as the social care center Sdílení in Telč, which offers nursing and palliative care in the region. We regularly contribute to district-wide fundraising efforts to support regions affected by natural disasters, such as recent floods in northern Moravia and, earlier, a windstorm in the Břeclav area. A long-standing tradition for us is participating in the Christmas punch sale at Zachariáš of Hradec Square in Telč. We also strive to maintain the tradition of the golf tournament at Šiškův Mlýn in Telč, with proceeds donated to those in need.

One of the greatest joys for us each year is hearing from young participants who share their experiences from summer camps during our club meetings. Every year, we typically support three to four participants, who, thanks to the excellent organization by the District Youth Service Committee, get the opportunity to explore the world and meet other young people. In the past, we have both sent and hosted two long-term international exchange students, which was not only an interesting experience for us but, most importantly, an invaluable opportunity for our students to broaden their horizons and positively represent District 2240 in their host countries.

Our club has been and continues to be actively involved in district service. One of our founding members served as a long-time district secretary, and one of our younger members currently serves as an assistant governor. We firmly believe that the district and its leadership will return to honoring its heritage, continuity, and traditions, as well as all the good that has been achieved, particularly over the past twenty years. It will be our great honor to continue being a part of this district.

Václav Veselý

President RC Telč