“Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders,” says the official website, www.Rotary.org. “Members of Rotary clubs, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.
“There are 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto Service Above Self, Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.”
Here in Cebu, there are a total of 26 Rotary clubs and, starting Sunday, one of the highlights will commence… The Rotary Week.
RUN. To give the Rotary Week, literally, a running start will be the “2ND ROTARY RUN” this Feb. 21 (Sunday), at the SM City. Founded by Andrew Jimenez last year (Andrew has since relocated to Sydney, Australia), it is now jointly handled by two running buff Rotarians: Kenneth Casquejo (the past president of the Rotary Club of Banilad Metro) and Jet Neric (my fellow Rotarian, and our secretary, at the RC of Cebu West).
“The run,” said the chairman, Kenneth Casquejo, “will cover the following races: Kiddie Dash (8 to 12 years old-400 meter dash/7 below-200 meter dash), 3K Fun Run (Open to Non-Rotarians), 7K Open & 15K Open and Executive Division Races. More than 1500 runners are expected with the support of the big family of Rotary District 3860.”
Cash prizes, trophies and medals will be awarded to the Top 10 finishers per category. Special awards will also be handed out to the biggest Rotary delegation, the biggest Non-Rotary delegation, the oldest/youngest runners, the best running couple, the best running family and the best in costume.
Adds Kenneth: “On top of promoting Rotary and a healthy lifestyle, joining the race is an opportunity to contribute to the End Polio Now, a program of The Rotary Foundation to eradicate polio worldwide.”
This event is jointly organized by the RC of Banilad Metro and the RC of Cebu West (headed by my club’s highly-progressive and enterprising president, Romy DyPico). Registration is now going on at the PSC office (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) in Abellana, Toby’s SM City, Colette’s Buko Pie SM and RUNNR in Ayala. Registration Fee is only P150 and the deadline is this Thursday. See you there this Sunday, 5:30 a.m., at the SM North Parking Area.
BOWLING. The “Rotary Week Fun Bowling Tournament” is next Tuesday, Feb. 23, and is open to Rotarians and their family members. Venue is at the SM Bowling Center and the competition starts at 7 p.m. Prizes await the… Team Champion, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Runner Up, Highest Single Game, Biggest Delegation. The hosts are the clubs of Central Mactan and Cebu Fort San Pedro. For more details, contact RC of Central Mactan PP Udo Pelkowski at 09172791907 or [email protected].
GOLF. Open to Rotarians and non-Rotarians, the Golf Fellowship is next Wed., Feb. 24, at the Mactan Island Golf and Country Club. Tee off time is from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Registration fee is P1,500 and, to join, call Fe Escaño at 0927-4132923 or 0922-7862681. Host club is the Rotary Club of Cebu Port Center.
ROTARY WEEK. Chaired by Rotarian Ricky Poca with Lilu Aliño as the PR Chair, the Rotary Week (from Feb. 21 to 28) will also include these non-sports activities: Holy Mass on Feb. 21 at 9 a.m. (SM City)… Humanity In Motion Exhibit (from Feb. 21 to 28) at the SM City Northwing… A Dog Walk and Veterinary Medical Clinic on Feb. 21 (SM parking area)… On Feb. 24, an Immunization Day at the Brgy. Ermita Multi-Purpose Hall (headed by RC Banilad Metro)… On Feb. 25, a Voter’s Education program (spearheaded by the RC of Cebu) at the USC Main Campus from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m… A Rotary Chill-out Nite at The Terraces of the Ayala Center on Feb. 25… And, on Feb. 27, a Grand Fellowship at the Capitol Social Hall.
Enjoy ROTARY this coming WEEK!
