Special Speaker District Governor Mike Lawrie was introduced by Claude Armstrong Assistant Governor for our cluster..
Mike is a retired doctor with a distinguished career, Rotarian since 1987, married 48yrs with 3 children 7 grand children; Paul Harris Fellow and participants in Rotary International humanitarian trips. Interests include running, cycling and fantasy mountaineering.District President Mike:
Made acknowledgements to different club members spoke a little of his past life and used stories from his previous experience taking care of athletes to emphasize his message on “Opportunity “. Special mention of Holger Knaak, of Germany and his comments in the Rotarian were pointed out as a must read for club members.
Mention was made of the appointment of the brilliant Jennifer Jones as the first Rotary International President for the 2023 year
Summary of the message: Rotary provides opportunity for us to have and also to create opportunities for other: The theme of 3 open doors , the international theme for this year . Mike emphasized the need for focus and preparation to recognize and take advantage of opportunities. Setting Strategic goals for our club, having strategic sessions to actively look for opportunities for sustainable growth.
Mike emphasized the new realities that we are dealing with
- Pandemic
- Recession
- Racism
- Isolation and Loneliness
And he encouraged us to see and use the immense opportunity that has been opened up for more diversity and inclusion.
We were made aware that the Rotary club has an affiliation with Toast Masters; This also has increased the opportunities of the club members to improve their communication skills and strategies
President-elect Amolak thanked Mike for his presentation.