Speakers

• Come hear our new District Governor, Uche Okugo, a member of the Rotary Club of Brampton, give an update about District 7080, what is happening in our region and beyond, and share the inspiring vision of Rotary as a force for good both locally and globally. He brings a global perspective about the potential of Rotary living out the notion of Service Above Self which has been shaped by his many years as a very active Rotarian both in Nigeria and in Canada. 

Destiny Athletics Canada is a Kitchener-based not-for-profit that bridges critical funding and mentorship gaps for talented young athletes. Mehreen Khakh, a 17-year-old Canadian National Team boxer and 2026 Youth Olympian, will share her personal journey, the financial barriers she faced, how targeted support (including the recent grant from the Rotary Club of Kitchener Grand River) has allowed her to focus on training and recovery, and the responsibility she feels to give back through coaching and community mentorship. She will speak about her recent experience in Thailand and her naming to Canada’s junior Olympic team (only female boxer to do so this year).

Syd Vanderpool, founder and President of Destiny Athletics Canada and a former #1-ranked world super-middleweight, will provide context on the organization’s mission, the competitive grant process, and the cycle of impact: enabling youth to compete at the highest levels and then mentoring the next generation. The presentation will include a short branded video featuring several Destiny athletes (including Mehreen) and will highlight how Rotary’s investment directly supports local and national talent while aligning with Rotary’s focus on children, youth, and community goodwill.

They will also name off other recipients such as Scarlett Delgado (Canada’s Commonwealth Games Silver Medalist), Kaitlyn Clark (7 time provincial Champ), and many others from other sports such as swimming, rock climbing etc.