Rotary International awards given on anniversary day

Rotary today marked its 120th anniversary with the presentation of the Rotary 2025 Awards, an initiative that aims to recognize individuals whose work has had a significant impact on society. The ceremony took place at the Auditorium Sr.ª da Boa Nova, in Estoril, and recognized ten figures from different areas, with special mention to António Vitorino, who was awarded in the Peace category, and Ruy de Carvalho, recognized in the Theater category.

“Rotary, as a global network of leaders, has been guided, over the course of 120 years, by constant and dynamic action in various areas of Portuguese society and the international community, developing action in the areas of health, the promotion of peace, with Peace Fellowships and the fight against diseases such as polio”, declared Paulo Taveira de Sousa, Governor of Rotary District 1960, during the ceremony.

The main objective of these awards is to inspire society and encourage social responsibility, with the common good in mind. It was in this context that the Rotary 2025 Awards distinguished Francisco Pedro Balsemão, CEO of Grupo Impresa, in the area of ​​Social Communication, and Maria Teresa Beleza, in the category of Women's Empowerment. The contribution to sustainability and the environment was also recognized, with distinctions for Prof. Dr. Francisco Ferreira (Environment) and Prof. Dr. Filipe Duarte Santos (Climate Change), respectively.

It is also worth highlighting the work in the area of ​​Mental Health, which earned Daniel Sampaio an award, alongside Leonor Beleza, for the work developed in the Prevention and Treatment of Diseases. The social and community impact was also recognized, with the award going to Wagner Diniz, in the Community Development category, and to Artur Santos Silva, in the Solidarity Entrepreneurship category.

Founded in 1905, Rotary is one of the world's largest humanitarian service organizations, with more than 1.4 million members in over 200 countries and regions. Its mission is to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, and foster economic development. The Rotary International Awards reflect the club's commitment to recognizing individuals and organizations whose work has a positive impact on society.

“The recognition we have made with the presentation of these Rotary 2025 Awards is of our commitment to excellence and to the positive impact on society, without forgetting the indelible mark that this organization has on Portuguese society”, highlighted the Governor, in a statement.