Games talk brings back warm memories

Monklands Rotarians embraced some special sporting memories as they welcomed a very well-informed visitor.

Hugh Waters from the technical commission of the International Children’s Games spoke to the Coatbridge, Airdrie & Monklands Rotary Club about the important event – and the amount of work it takes to schedule all of the competitions involved.

A number of the Rotarians in the audience were volunteers at the International Children’s Games in Lanarkshire back in 2011, which they hailed as a “wonderful get-together for 12 to 15-year-olds enjoying sporting competition”.

Hugh highlighted the Games’ “spiritual father”, Slovenian sports instructor Metod Klemenc, and how Klemenc once stated: “My childhood suffered from the Second World War; it destroyed my family.

“Since I, within my possibilities, wanted to create a better world based on friendship, sport seemed to be one of the best means to bring together young people from different countries.”

Rotarian David McNab gave the vote of thanks paying tribute to Hugh’s “phenomenal talk”.

Meanwhile, the club’s past-president Bill Craig received the prestigious Paul Harris Award from President George Lindsay for his services to the community.

In addition to his long involvement with the Rotary organisation, Bill has held many positions with the local Scouting movement, including the post of district commissioner.

A Rotary spokesperson said: “Bill has been an invaluable member of the Rotary club and is a real community champion.

“We wish to give him our heartfelt congratulations on winning this well deserved award.”

For more information on the Monklands club and its meetings, visit https://www.facebook. com/RotaryCAM/

Community champion Bill Craig (centre) accepts his Paul Harris Award from secretary Bill McMullen (left) and president George Lindsay

Great sport Hugh Waters (second from right) with (l-r) Rotarian David McNab, vice-president Willie Devoy and past-president Colin Ooi