On October 7, 2025, an official joint meeting was held between Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan and Rotaract Club Sofia-Balkan. The event was part of the club’s strategic goal to strengthen the Rotaract structure and reinforce the bonds between generations of Rotarians under the Sofia-Balkan umbrella.
This process was initiated by the President of Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan, Ivaylo Vasilev, through a symbolic joint meeting aimed at handing over the chain of office and restoring the Rotaract club’s bell—an act that marks the revival of the enthusiasm and spirit of the young Rotarians.
The meeting was attended not only by members of both clubs but also by several young guests—potential Rotaract members who showed great interest in learning about the club’s activities and connecting with its board. Among the guests was the mother of one of the prospective members, illustrating the continuity and strength of the Rotary family.
The meeting began with welcoming remarks from President Ivaylo Vasilev, who emphasized the importance of mutual support and a shared mission in service to society. This was followed by introductions, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The main part of the evening was dedicated to presenting the Rotaract club’s projects, their development plans, and discussing opportunities for collaboration with the Rotary club. During the open discussion, new ideas were generated for member recruitment, improving communication between the clubs, and planning joint initiatives with the Interact clubs of the Sofia High School of Mathematics (SMG) and the 73rd High School.
Following the official ceremony and the striking of the bell, the conversations continued in an informal and friendly setting at La Terra pizzeria, hosted by Chef Radostin Kiryazov—a world-renowned pizza and dough master, international titleholder, and juror at world championships. Chef Rado shared fascinating stories from the culinary world and introduced the group to his own charity initiatives, laying the groundwork for future collaboration.
The meeting was not only an organizational success but also an inspiring experience—a testament that the power of Rotary lies in continuity, friendship, and shared values. Rotary and Rotaract Club Sofia-Balkan are embarking on a new stage of cooperation, united by their pursuit of common causes in service to society.
