RI Convention in Bangkok, Thailand: Land of a Thousand Smiles

Rotary International's 103rd International Convention: Celebrates Milestone in Eradicating Polio

On May 8, attendees at Rotary's 2012 International Convention in Bangkok, Thailand, celebrated two major milestones in the organization's decades-long fight to rid the world of polio:  meeting and exceeding the $200 Million Challenge, Rotary's response to $355 million in matching grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for polio eradication efforts; and, India's removal from the polio-endemic list in February, which leaves only three countries where transmission of the virus has never been stopped.

To view a promotional video on being 'this close', click HERE.  To read a copy of the speech of John F. Germ, chair of Rotary's $200 Million Challenge Committee, click HERE.   You may also watch a video of the third plenary session below:

Rotary Meets and Exceeds US$200 Million Challenge from Rotary International on Vimeo.