Too Many for One Seating!!
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With 25,000 attendees, the Opening Ceremonies had to be split into two sessions. Amazing energy, talent, appreciation and artistic creativity, including a Comic Illusionist entertained and inspired the packed Air Canada Arena twice.
Above, our southern neighbor and served friends in Nicaragua receive a welcome to the convention. Zimbabwe marked the last country entering.
Rain outside could not dampen attendees. With so many new friends to make, a shred umbrella or newspaper cover linked strangers into friendships.
Inside the Air Canada Arena special honors were given to Dr Sam Owori, RI President Elect who passed away suddenly after accepting his position. President Riseley paid tribute to Owori's vision and presented his widow and son recognition for Sam's forming of a new vision for Africa and Nigeria.
Chief Stacey LaForme of the Toronto area indigenous people gave an enthusiastically received recitation of his poem to "This Land I Love." Following, a performance from both an Australian and Canadian native peoples' music and dance groups left no doubt as to the goodwill growing between all concerned.
Tomorrow's featured speaker is Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization. Tuesday, First Lady Laura Bush.
You may follow Convention progress online at http://www.video.rotary.org
