The twelfth edition of the traditional Little Danube Paddle brought together 101 Rotarians, family members, friends and guests from Slovakia and Hungary. The event was particularly meaningful for eleven new Rotary Youth Exchange students, who experienced the friendship and international spirit of Rotary together for the first time on the Little Danube.

The Little Danube has a special charm: calm waters, green riverbanks, floodplain forests and the fresh scent of the river. Above all, it offers an opportunity to slow down for a while, meet friends and enjoy a day away from the everyday routine. It was in precisely this spirit that the 12th traditional Little Danube Paddle, organised by Rotary Club Dunajská Streda, took place on Saturday, 5 September 2026.

This year’s event once again demonstrated that what began as a club activity has grown into a major gathering of the wider Rotary family. A total of 101 participants came together in Topoľníky–Vadászlak, including Rotarians from clubs across Slovakia, their family members, host families and friends of Rotary, as well as guests from nearby Győr, Hungary.

The First Joint Event for the New Exchange Students

This year’s paddle had another important dimension: it was the first joint event for eleven new inbound exchange students who had arrived in Slovakia through Rotary Youth Exchange. Throughout the school year, they will live with host families and attend schools in various Slovak towns and cities.

For the young people from different countries, the paddle was an ideal opportunity not only to discover Slovakia and the beauty of Žitný ostrov, but above all to get to know their new friends. Right at the beginning of their year-long stay, they experienced one of the finest aspects of Rotary: friendship without borders, shared experiences and the feeling of becoming part of a large international family.

The flags of the countries from which the young exchange students had come to Slovakia were proudly displayed in the group photograph. Moments like these often remain in their memories long after the exchange year itself has ended.

Three Hours on the Water Followed by a Well-Deserved Feast

The paddle offered everything one would expect from such a day. The crews set off and spent several hours enjoying the gentle flow of the Little Danube, the surrounding countryside and the company of friends. Some were experienced paddlers, while others may have been trying it for the first time.

And because the organisers know their guests well, the day was not devoted to sport alone.

Upon returning from the river, the participants were welcomed with traditional specialities from Žitný ostrov and the southern lowlands, prepared by members of Rotary Club Dunajská Streda. Once again, the event lived up to its familiar motto: the calories enjoyed at the table must first be properly “earned” on the water.

This year, as always, the organisers paid careful attention not only to the programme but, above all, to the atmosphere. It is precisely this atmosphere that makes the paddle an event to which people are happy to return year after year.

A Tradition That Brings People Together

After twelve editions, the paddle is no longer simply a club event. It has become a tradition that has built a loyal following over the years while continuing to welcome new guests each year.

People travel to the Little Danube from many parts of Slovakia to spend a day together outside their usual club settings, make new friends and share an enjoyable experience. Informal gatherings like this are among the best ways to build lasting friendships within Rotary.

This year, they were joined by a new generation of young people from around the world.

Eleven inbound exchange students hosted by nine Rotary clubs, 101 participants, dozens of boats, 22 kilometres of calm water and countless new friendships. That is the story of the 12th Little Danube Paddle.

Pubi Bartoš, Rotary Club Dunajská Streda

Special thanks go to Rotary Club Dunajská Streda and all its members who helped prepare and organise the event, as well as to the host families and everyone whose participation created its unique atmosphere.

The Little Danube once again brought people together. And that is what Rotary is all about.

The grateful participants