Rotary
Youth Leadership Awards
"Abrazo"
& "Amore" among "Champions"
Pictures & information "Live" - Daily - from Convention 2001!
 Arriving at the airport in San Antonio, TX June 20, 2001 Click on image for larger view |
 1st ever RYLA International Convention begins! Click on image for larger view |
Thursday
evening, June 21st: RYLA
Chair Abe Gordon and his able committee kicked off the 1st ever
RYLA convention in San Antonio, Texas, USA, with a bang! After arriving
in a city where banners and billboards proudly displayed the RI Convention
and what Rotary is all about, 120 young people from around the world
arrived to begin a life-changing experience. Welcoming the
participants at the opening session, Committee Chair Abe compared them
to "the Champions" featured on Wheaties boxes. Bright and
able young future Rotary leaders from around the world embraced the
Champions theme and eagerly began the first ever RYLA International
Camp.
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Thursday evening, June 21st: Next came the first of many dynamic Rotary leaders, RI President Frank Devlyn addressed an excited group of RYLArians and their counselors, sharing with them some of the joys of Rotary: credibility and the chance to serve in the only service organization in the world that is continuing to grow. President Frank urged them to collaberate with other young people around the world to embrace the internationalism of Rotary and become involved as Rotaracter's or Rotarians. RI Trustee Sonny Brown spoke on the importance of "abrazo" and "amore" - a hug and love. He reminded them that the highway of life is always under construction, therefore reconstruct the highway to make it work for you. "Keep working, have faith, pray, and think love".
Friday morning , June 22nd: RI General Secretary Ed Futa addressed the grup on a "Mountain Top experience." Next came speakers, trainers, and team building activities. Following Committee Chair Abe's lead, the RYLArians were responding to their Convention events with all the joyous spirit of true "Champions." Joy and fellowship filled the air. Friday noon, June 22nd, incoming RI President Rick King spoke on the importance of RYLArians promoting harmony through 1.) optimism, 2.) getting going now, 3.) not being afraid to fail, and 4.) gaining the concepts of leadership. Following his theme, President-elect Rick urged them to sing their unsung songs now, and put their heart, soul, and spiritual self into the leadership they espouse.
4pm Friday , June 22nd, past RI President Carlo Raviazza addressed the group and impressed upon them the importance of consistency, credibility, and continuity. Following this, and other speaker/trainers, the RYLArians gathered for a convention photo. After dinner and another great speaker, the young adults celebrated a cultural evening, proudly sharing their ethnic differences, and displaying their group's team flag. The joys of being involved in Rotary and RYLA continued to reverberate in a positive manner.
View pictures of Saturday and Sunday's 1st ever RYLArian's Int'l Convention! |
