My fellow Lions, Lionesses, Leos, friends and family, I am honored to welcome you to Bangkok, Thailand, for our 91st Lions Clubs International Convention.

Serving as president of the world’s largest service organization has been a privilege and an honor. My wife, Kushlani, and I have had the tremendous pleasure of meeting with Lions and witnessing their dedication and enthusiasm in our travels to clubs and districts around the world.

I was blessed to lead our association during an incredible year of achievement. Through their ingenuity and unyielding spirit of service, Lions gave the gift of sight to a visually impaired child from Iraq, helped eliminate the transmission of river blindness in Colombia and saw the 10 millionth dose of Zithromax®  issued to a patient in Ethiopia in the fight against trachoma. The list of other such worthy accomplishments is indeed impressive.

Take time here at our international convention to reflect on those accomplishments while enjoying the beauty and excitement of Bangkok, our host city. This convention provides you with the opportunity to develop new skills, exchange ideas and share your experience and knowledge with others. Rededicate yourself to accepting the Challenge to Change in the coming years, and it is certain more good things will follow.

Please visit the Online Convention each day of convention week to view daily updates, photos of each day's events and the results of the International Contest, Parade, Environmental Photo Contest, and the Election. Also, visit the Guest Book section and share your thoughts on convention.

Sincerely,
 
Mahendra Amarasuriya
International President