At the beginning of the new Rotary year and in the spirit of friendship, service, and the preservation of Bulgarian traditions, Ivaylo Vasilev, President of Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan, along with club members, friends, and representatives of Rotary District 2482 Bulgaria, attended an official meeting hosted by Lions Club Yambol.
The event took place amidst the beauty of the mountains, far from the urban noise, offering participants an immersive experience dedicated to Bulgarian customs and cultural heritage. Upon his arrival, President Ivaylo Vasilev captured the attention and won the admiration of all present by appearing in an authentic traditional Pirin folk costume—a gesture that became a powerful symbol of respect for the Bulgarian spirit.
The evening was defined by a warm and friendly atmosphere. Lively conversations, folk dancing, games, a raffle, and a charity auction provided the perfect setting for forging new friendships and strengthening the bonds between members of the two organizations. Smiles and good cheer were constant companions throughout the event.
During the official part of the program, the newly elected presidents were introduced: Nikola Georgiev, President of Lions Club Yambol, and Ivaylo Vasilev, President of Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan for the 2025–2026 Rotary year. Their introductions were met with applause and best wishes for successful terms filled with impactful community projects.
The highlight of the meeting was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two organizations. The primary focus of this future partnership is the creation of a wheelchair basketball club in Yambol—an initiative with immense social potential that will enable people with physical disabilities to be active participants in the region’s sports and public life.
Special credit for organizing the meeting and laying the foundations for this significant collaboration goes to Maria Mircheva, Vice President of Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan. Through her initiative, energy, and vision, a bridge was built between the two organizations, promising to evolve into a long-term partnership with a real, lasting impact on the local community.
The meeting in Yambol once again demonstrated that when organizations united by a desire to serve work together, they can lay the groundwork for meaningful and sustainable change. Amidst the sounds of Bulgarian music, the beauty of the mountains, and shared values, we created not only new friendships but also new opportunities to serve the community.
