Ban Ki-moon receives polio champion award

By Arnold R. Grahl
Rotary International News – 21 June 2009

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (left) receives the Polio Eradication Champion Award from RI President Dong Kurn Lee and Foundation Trustee Jonathan B. Majiyagbe on 21 June during the 2009 RI Convention in Birmingham, England. Rotary Images/Alyce Henson

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Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation presented United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with the Polio Eradication Champion Award on 21 June during the 2009 RI Convention in Birmingham, England.

The award is given to outstanding and dedicated leaders in the fight to End Polio Now. RI President Dong Kurn Lee and Foundation Trustee Chair Jonathan B. Majiyagbe presented the award to Ban during the second seating of the opening plenary session.

Ban said he was deeply humbled by the honor. He dedicated the award to the three polio immunization volunteers who were killed in a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan in 2008.

"Let us give them a big applause," Ban told the crowded hall. "This honor is for them."

Ban also paid tribute to all the Rotarians who have sacrificed time and effort to take part in immunization drives, volunteering in hostile areas, working through storms, droughts, and disasters. He said this vast army of volunteers has brought the world very close to the goal of eradicating polio.

"Without your support, the world could not have come this close," he said.

Ban said the award also serves as inspiration to the United Nations to move ahead in the global effort to eradicate polio in partnership with Rotary so that "one day very soon, we can live in a polio-free world."

Read the "UN secretary-general opens 100^th convention."

6 Comments:

At 10:27AM on 24 June 2009, John Ellis wrote: I am continually impressed by what Rotary International has done with polio in the world. By myself I can do little. As a Rotarian we can do monumental work in the world. The fight against polio is about to be completed. Let's just get it done.

At 1:51PM on 23 June 2009, Rtn Deepak - Rotary Cubbonpark Dist 3190 wrote: We appreciate the tribute he gave to Rotarians , Volunteers, doctors for the time and efforts, and more imp the support he has assured from UN. Come let us give our best to give children of Tomorrow a World Free from Polio.

At 9:28AM on 23 June 2009, Rtn Aishwarya Narain wrote: Its a great honor to Rotary done by UN Secretary General's of being present and championing the cause to eradicate Polio. I feel proud to associated with Rotary since 2002. President RC Ahmedabad Greater, RID 3050

At 9:30AM on 23 June 2009, Fergus Prestbye wrote: Wonderful. Wish I could have been there.

At 9:45AM on 22 June 2009, Rafique Ahmad Surhio wrote: In 100th R_I convention it is great news that UN Seacretay General recieved the polio eradication champion award and same was dedicated to the volunteers of polio immunization who were killed in suicide bomb attack in afghanistan.

At 2:37PM on 21 June 2009, Amitabha Bajpayee wrote: In the 100th convention I am proud to be present and witness these historic moments. In fact it is Rotary where people from round the globe forgetting caste,creed, religion and NOW geographical boundatries make themselves so very comfortable. Simply great and IO am proud to be a member.

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