Rotary International, the most affective non-governmental organisation of the world, celebrates the 112th anniversary of establishment. Turkey is among the countries who take place in the celebrations. One of the most important celebration events took place in Intercontinential Hotel, Istanbul. The organisation was held by Kalamis Rotary Club and evaluated as “perfect”.
PEACE AND GOOD INTENTIONS
The organisation opened with Rotary Governer Özcan Albayrak’s well-praised speech, in which he mentioned the importance of Rotary Club. Albayrak declared that the organisation which was established by Paul Harris, a lawyer from Chicago, and his friends Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele and Hiram Shoreyle in 1905 for “helping the others before self”, still continues to follow its first target, which is an incredible success. Albayrak continued his speech with these statements: “Peace and good intentions are the concepts we all believe by heart. We are facing national and global difficulties nowadays, that’s why we have to understand and follow these notions more than ever.” Albayrak ended his speech with his special thanks to Kalamis Rotary Club, for holding such an important celebration organisation.
HELPING THE OTHERS
Albayrak’s speech was followed by Ülker Taylan’s, chief executive of Kalamis Rotary Club, who mentioned that Rotary is a world-wide organisation consisting of well-educated and peace-supporting members from all around the globe. Taylan also declared that during 112 years the club found very exclusive solutions for global problems including poliomyelitis, and mentioned that all the members will keep fighting for helping the others as hard as the first day.
MUSIC PERFORMED BY ATA AND HIS BAND, LOS CAMARADOS
The organisation continued with amusing performances of famous musicians. The surprise of the night was Ata, a former popstar who was famous for his hit song “Ankara Rüzgarı” (Wind of Ankara) in 1960’s. Ata was companied by his daughter Ece, his son Ata and his band “Los Camarados” on the stage. The two-hour long performance of Ata and his crew was the most unforgettable part of the night.
ARIF ALASAN TAKES THE STAGE
Another surprise of the organisation was Arif Alasan’s dance group. Alasan, one of the first dance choreographers of Turkey, and his students performed an unforgettable dance choreography for the attenders.
ACCOMODATION IN INTERCONTINENTAL
The new members of Rotary Club were introduced to the audience, after the music and dance performances. And afterwards, the special occasions of former members were celebrated. At the end of the night, executive director of Intercontinental Hotel declared how he was inspired by the spirit of the club members and he gave a gift to a couple of attenders: one night of free accomodation in Intercontinental Hotel.
