Dear Rotarians and friends,
As winter settles in and the festive lights begin to glow, we bring you the final Rotary newsletter of the year. 2025 has been rich in moments of service, friendship, and stories that remind us why Rotary exists — to connect, to uplift, and to inspire.
One such story is that of young pianist Vojtěch Fišera, whose journey from humble beginnings to the stage of Carnegie Hall was made possible with the help of Rotary clubs from our very own District 2240. A true testament to what we can achieve when we believe in someone’s talent — and stand behind them.
We were also touched by the efforts of Rotary Clubs Martin and Žilina, who hosted Thanksgiving for 19 international students, creating a heartfelt weekend filled with warmth, inclusion, and new friendships. Rotary once again proved it knows no borders.
This issue also brings the latest updates on Youth Exchange programs in Slovakia and Czechia — including reunions of past exchange students and early plans for the ever-popular Rotary Youth Camps.
Speaking of which, invitations to 2026 summer camps are already arriving — opening the door to unforgettable adventures, cultural exchange, and global understanding for a new generation.
Don’t miss out on these exciting upcoming events either:
A First Republic Concert at the Rudolfinum – A Tribute to Jaroslav Ježek on the 120th anniversary of his birth (March 1, 2026).
On behalf of the editorial team, we thank all clubs and Rotary leaders — not just for organizing wonderful events, but for taking the time to share them with us. As we don’t have a technical limit on the number of contributions, we try to publish all we receive. If you'd like to promote an event or share a report, please send a PDF invitation and a separate JPG photo. And if the event has already taken place, we’d love to hear about the impact, attendance, or success story — every detail matters and inspires.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese calendar — a year said to be full of passion, momentum, bold moves, and courageous beginnings. May we ride this fiery energy with clarity of purpose and hearts open to change.
I wish you a peaceful and joyful Christmas, also in the name of the entire Newsletter team, and may the New Year 2026 bring health, strength, kindness, and inspiration to each and every one of you — as we continue our journey of service and friendship together.
Warmly,
Radúz Dula
Editorial Board Member, Rotary D2240 Newsletter
The Rotary community in Slovakia has lost a remarkable personality. On 10 December 2025, PhDr. Blanka Schellingová, a long-standing member of the Rotary Club Bratislava Danube, respected professional in executive search and leadership consulting, and a woman who naturally embodied the values of service, integrity and professionalism, passed away.
The journey of a young musician to a world-renowned stage is never straightforward. The story of Vojtěch Fišera shows that talent is only the beginning – true success is built on perseverance, self-belief, and the support of those willing to open doors and lend a helping hand.
This year once again, Rotary Club Bratislava International continued its heart-warming tradition of supporting lonely seniors. In the pre-Christmas period, club members prepared and delivered Christmas gift packages to residents of the Domov jesene života (Home of the Autumn of Life) on Hanulova Street in Bratislava, reaffirming that compassion, solidarity and service remain at the very core of Rotary values.
During the Advent season, the Satellite Rotary Club Trnava organised an exceptional cultural and social event that brought together music, the spiritual dimension of a historic setting, and Rotary fellowship. The organ concert held in the Basilica of St Nicholas in Trnava became an unforgettable experience for all those in attendance.
At the end of November 2025, the Rotary Club Poprad treated the people of Poprad to a beautiful and exceptional artistic experience. Building on the success and strong positive response to the first edition last year, the Poprad Rotarians managed to attract to the Advent Charity Concert a rising star of the operatic world as well: Soňa Godarská, a soloist of the National Moravian-Silesian Theatre in Ostrava and a native of Poprad.
Her performance—also in duets with Titus Tobisz, a soloist of the National Theatre in Košice, accompanied on the piano by Júlia Grejtáková, chief répétiteur of the National Theatre in Košice—set a new standard for the Advent Charity Concert. But the charitable purpose was not forgotten either. The concert, held on Sunday 30 November 2025, raised €3,158 in support of the local branch of the Slovak Red Cross in Poprad.
The immediate reactions from the people of Poprad were interesting and encouraging. Here is one of them: “We can’t remember a similarly wonderful concert of opera and operetta repertoire at the very highest artistic level in Poprad.” The Rotary Club Poprad’s dual contribution to the local community further strengthened its good name in Poprad and the surrounding area.
a short excerpt: https://youtube.com/shorts/BwON5JgkmZQ
Ondrej Kollár, RC Poprad
On Tuesday 9 December 2025, members of the Rotary Club Bratislava International, together with our international inbound students, met at Resoty – a resocialisation community founded by our late Rotarian friend Anton Srholec – to bake traditional Christmas wafers with its residents, people experiencing homelessness, and to share precious moments of closeness and mutual understanding.
Every fourth Thursday in November, people in the USA celebrate their biggest family holiday—Thanksgiving Day—which exchange students also traditionally commemorate in Martin. This year, 19 international students accepted the invitation from Martin Rotarians and spent a long weekend in a warm, family atmosphere in Martin and Žilina.
On 4 October 2025 in the scenic surroundings of Strečno near Žilina, last year’s Slovak exchange students met again. Beyond sharing memories, they officially revived Rotex Slovakia to continue working with Rotary clubs in youth exchange.
The inbound students’ Christmas get-together took place from 12 to 14 December, with accommodation arranged at a&o Hostel Prague Rhea.
The weekend programme was packed, with plenty of entertainment!
On Friday, after arrival, there was a shared dinner, followed by written and oral Czech and Slovak language tests.
Saturday was filled with festive atmosphere - a guided walk through Christmas-time Prague and visits to some of the best-known tourist sights: Prague Castle, the Czech Sokol Community, the Head of Franz Kafka, the Lennon Wall, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square.
The Saturday evening featured carols, the handing out of Christmas presents, and an introduction to Czech Christmas traditions such as cutting apples and floating walnut-shell boats. Gingerbread decorating was, of course, a must. The best singing performances, the most beautifully decorated gingerbread, and the strongest language skills were rewarded with a sweet treat.
On Sunday, after breakfast, the students travelled back to their homes, and we believe the shared weekend was one they will remember fondly.
The event was organised by RYE CZ and Rotex.
On behalf of RYE CZ, we wish you all a peaceful Christmas and a successful 2026!
Jaromír Barák and Ondrej Kollár
A diverse group of young people from around the world spent a memorable Advent day in Vienna. A walking tour of the Austrian capital, enriched by personal storytelling and shared enthusiasm, created an experience filled with learning, connection, and lasting memories.
Saying that I’ve been here for a whole quarter of a year feels really weird, but it’s true. The third month was a real whirlwind — so many trips! And of course there were loads of experiences too, like being able to ride a horse again. I missed it so, so much! For those who don’t know, I’ve been riding since I was six, so it’s genuinely my biggest hobby.
I spent the last two weeks of August at a summer camp in Copenhagen. Together with 17 other participants, we used our time there to get to know what is so important to people in Denmark — sustainability, architecture, sport and a healthy lifestyle. It was one of my loveliest experiences, which is why I’d like to recommend this camp to others.
As of 1 September 2025, an amendment to the Act on the Association of Citizens has entered into force, introducing a significant change in the registration and record-keeping of civic associations and in the registration of changes within civic associations. This change directly affects Rotary clubs in Slovakia, which operate as civic associations under Slovak law.
President / Secretary / Executive Secretary / YEO:
Treasurer:
Dear Presidents of Rotary Clubs,
two weeks ago, membership directories for the 2025/2026 Rotary year were sent to your delivery address - residential address as listed on the District 2240 website.
The directories were dispatched in the quantity ordered by each club and should by now have been in the hands of the presidnets of all clubs and duly distributed among members.
If you have not yet received your shipment, please check the postal notification of attempted delivery and collect the package at your local post office.
We trust that the membership directories published in the format commemorating the 100th anniversary of Rotary in District 2240 have brought you pleasure and will serve as a useful tool for strengthening contacts with fellow Rotarians and Rotary clubs throughout our district, as well as with district officers.
DS PDG Katarína Čechová
We would like to remind you that, by the end of 2025, it is essential to have your club officers for the 2026/27 Rotary year elected and officially recorded.
From 30 January to 1 February 2026, the first New Year gathering of RYE CZ inbound students will take place, once again traditionally in Třebíč (Grand Hotel, Karlovo nám., Třebíč).
The event is mandatory for all RYE CZ inbound students.
Programme
The event is organised by RYE CZ, Rotex
On 31 January 2026, a working meeting of club YEOs will take place.
Venue:
Grand Hotel Třebíč, Karlovo náměstí 5, 674 01 Třebíč https://maps.app.goo.gl/zuviLMzBKFbjeWAf9
The event is mandatory for all YEOs from Rotary Clubs involved in the RYE CZ programme. The meeting will include the submission and checking of application forms and the sharing of important information regarding both long-term and short-term RYE CZ exchanges.
You will receive the invitations, including the programme and the registration form, by email.
The event is organised by RYE CZ.
From 1 to 7 February 2026, RYE CZ is organising a SKI WEEK for inbound students. The event will take place in Tatranská Lomnica, Slovakia.
Participation is optional, and the programme is focused primarily on skiing. Further details have been sent to all participants.
The event is organised by RYE CZ and Rotex.
The end of the year is approaching, and with it our traditional Christmas Rotary tennis tournament is once again just around the corner. This year, it will be held for the fourth time at the Inter Bratislava tennis complex.
We would like to cordially invite you, your family members and friends to the:
21st Christmas Rotary Tennis Cup RC Bratislava – Oskar Markovič Memorial
The tournament will take place on Saturday, 27 December 2025, at the Inter Bratislava tennis courts (behind Kaufland, Trnavská cesta 33). Parking is available in the Kaufland car park.
An exceptional musical evening combining the atmosphere of the First Czechoslovak Republic, timeless music, and outstanding artists of the Czech cultural scene will take place on 1 March at the Rudolfinum in Prague. Rotarians and all lovers of quality music are warmly invited to a concert celebrating the 120th anniversary of the birth of Jaroslav Ježek.
Your suggestions and feedback are welcomed and will assist us in enhancing our newsletter. Please send them to us at news@rotary2240.org.
