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Brief histories of the first clubs of each geographic regions or countries
Rotary Club of ATHINAI (Athens), the First Club of Greece
Rotary International District 2470
A Part of Our History of Rotary in Europe
Rotary Club of Athinai was chartered in December 1928 in the capital city Athinai
(Athens) of Hellas (Greece). It is the oldest and biggest club in the country as well as in the Balkan Area and one of the first
100 Clubs in Europe and in East Mediterranean.
The first ceremonial meeting took place on 27 December 1928, at the Hotel “Grande Bretagne”. Rotary International considered
this an important event to the Rotary world, so Rot. James W. Davidson,
member of the Board of Rotary International, was appointed by R.I. to be the official representative of R.I. to this meeting.
Not long after Davidson's departure, Willem De Cock Buning
arrived at the club and presented the president with its Charter document and a Rotary flag.
Our Club's main activities include:
At the national level:
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The “Michael and Irene Scholarships Foundation” of our Club (since 1961) available to university students who lack the
financial means to continue their studies. About 800 young people have been awarded with 5-year scholarships until today.
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The Association of Protection and Recovery of Disable Children (“ELEPAP”), a unique Institute which honors Hellas
internationally. Our Club participated in the join effort with representatives of U.S.A. governments towards the foundation
of this Association, which our Club continues to support morally and financially.
- The Athinai Home for the Elderly, supporting it financially and morally.
- The awarding with money prizes and diplomas, every year, of well known personalities, active charity and cutlural
organizations and individuals who have acted with altruism and self-sacrifice in their social environment.
In addition, we have:
- Built a church in the town of Kastoria, in North Hellas, covering the entire cost of its construction as well as
the operational expenses.
- Constructed the public baths in the island of Kefallonia (Ionian Sea) for the needs of the local people.
- Placed in open places and parks of Athinai, sculptured busts of important and famous persons, as well as various
monuments in memory of historic and cultural events.
In 1979, upon celebrating the 50 years of our Club, Hellenic Posts published and circulated a memory stamp in
15.000.000 pieces with the sign of Rotary posting the number "50" on it.
At the international level:
Our Club participates in the annual «European Leonardo da Vinci Award» with other 9 Rotary Clubs from Europe (London-England,
Tour-France, Amsterdam-Holland, Madrid-Spain, Florence-Italy, Brucelles-Belgium, Wien-Ring-Austria, Dublin-Ireland and
Würzburg-Germany) for the last 35 years.
We occasionally work with other Rotary Clubs around the world in supporting lots of their programs.
Also, we have restored almost from the ruins, a Church at the region of Argyrokastron, in North Hpeiros, South Albania).
In December 1999, our Club was honoured for its social and humanitarian work with the “Prize of the Academy of Athinai”,
the highest award that is given by the Academy of Athinai, the highest institution of our country, to individuals,
personalities, organizations, companies and foundations for their excellence humanitarian work.
Also, on 21st October, 2003, our Club participated in the Rotary Bell celebration of 100years.
Moreover, on 25 May 2003, the Club celebrated its 75 years since its foundation. The celebration took place at the
Old House of Parliament and His Excellency the former President of Hellenic Democracy Mr. Constantinos Stefanopoulos was
proclaimed Honorary President of our Club.
During the Rotarian year 2008-09, our Club will celebrate its 80 years since its foundation.
Today, Rotary Club of Athinai has 115 members and is a member of 2470 District, Rotary International.
Meeting Place : “Royal Olympic Hotel” , Tuesday, 21:00
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