Convention 2010 in Montreal was well worth while

This was my 8th International Convention and like all the others certain speakers, discussions, happenings and social events stand out as most memorable. There were approximately 18000 attendees from some 150 countries. District 7010 had more than 250 attendees. Attending an International Convention is a wonderful opportunity; from it one can gather a wealth of information. It is different from a Conference that deals with more local Rotary matters. Both have their place in our Rotary world, helping to prepare us to serve our fellow mankind. The Monday evening gathering at Les Trois Brasseurs was a real success. Thank you Dan Herbert and Ron Howell for organizing the event.

President John Kenny chaired the plenary sessions so very well, keeping the program moving ahead at all times. There was plenty of variety, some very serious matters, others light and entertaining. Here is s photo of Marc Durocher and Kim Giffin at one of the sessions. Today we were all awed by the fact that we are so much closer to finishing the Polio Plus Challenge with some $133,800,005. collected as of this week. The other good news is in relation to the much lower numbers of children coming down with the dreaded disease polio compared to this time last year. Dr. Bruce Aylward, director of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative at the World Health Organization, encouraged us to share the "terrific" news that polio is on the run, and that Rotary’s vision of a polio-free world is within sight.

Next year, the International Convention will be in New Orleans. The Convention Committee and RI Directors put on a colourful show and video for the May 21-25th, 2011 event. Think seriously about joining your fellow Rotarians and let the good times roll again!