Rotary and the Olympics

Rotary and the Olympics have a common goal: a more peaceful world.  It is a time for people to come together no matter what their nationality, put their differences aside, and be together as one.  The Olympics are about peace and harmony within states, and brotherhood among all people.

Rotarians also took part in the Summer Games in London and their activities worked to publicize Rotary’s good works.

Bob Izon, founding member of the Rotary Club of Hereford Wye Valley, Herefordshire, England, carried the Olympic torch through his hometown.  Izon is one of several Rotarians who carried the torch on its relay to the Olympic Stadium in London for the opening ceremony.

And some of the best athletes in the world are helping to spread the word about Rotary’s campaign to rid the world of polio.  Several Rotarians used their connections to get athletes to promote polio eradication.  Olympic diver Tom Daley is featured in "This Close" posters as part of a publicity campaign by the Rotary Club of Plympton, Devon, England. Rotarians in India also lined up several members of Indian's Olympic team, including boxer Vijender Singh, for their "This Close" campaign.