Visitors: Theo Banks, Huru and Erin, Tom Robbins, Conner Bell, Steve Bell, and John Carlson
Welcome–from President Steve welcomed us warmly and thanked those that attended and hosted – Guess who is coming to dinner”. This has raised about $700 for RYDA
Guest Speaker
Connor Bell – Olympian – Discus Paris 2024
Connor is a very impressive speaker. Very engaging and discussed his journey to become an Olympian – From a tiny lifestyle block in rural Auckland and a school of 60 pupils to secondary schools in Auckland’s North Shore. Connor described the drive, the dream and the necessary support from family and mentors to achieve the Olympic dream. Bell is an Olympian, a two-time world championships finalist and 14-time national senior and age-group champion. Tom holds the NZ record throw at 69.51m set in Oklahoma in April 2025 which gained Connor Olympic selection.
Connor described how after the Olympics were over, he reflected on the excitement of the games and professional sport, but what really meant most to Connor was the human connection made in the sport, the empathy and support of those around him.
Connor is now a fulltime Psychology Student using his experience as a platform for education, storytelling and mentorship working parttime in schools and the wider athletic community.
Notices & Announcements
- 20.9.2026 K Valley Planting 5000 trees in the Marshall Ave area.
- 5.9.2026 Dementia collection at Fraser cove.
- AI course for Volunteers is available – See detail below.
- 4.9.2026 Rock and Roll Bash – Omokoroa Rotary Club at Omokoroa.
Raffle:.
No one claimed the ticket so we gave the bottle of Sav to Connor.
Sergeant at Arms
Phil Mangos – who was welcomed by President Steve . Steve reflected on Phil’s previous sergeants’ session where he spoke of the demise of the hedgehog. Steve then advised us that he learnt as a 15-year-old that hedgehogs ate snails that fed on Marijuana plants in forests, stoned hedgehogs were then brave enough to cross the road. Sometimes not successfully.
The real sergeant’s session from Phil today compared the Kenny Rodgers song “the Gambler “to Rotary behaviour.
Know when to hold’em - a member who wont let an idea die
Know when to fold’em – agrees to do something then folds at the last minute and lets you down
Know when to walk away – when someone approaches say “ have you got a minute”
Know when to run – A member stands up “we are looking for volunteers”.
And the one Kenny forgot
Know when to shut up. – May have been the most useful advice of all.
Parting Thought from : Dan Allen Gordon
Banias from Gaza speaking at her destroyed school graduation
“School is more than a building, it’s a place where we learn hope is stronger than fear, a place where dreams are born and the future begins.”
