“My fellow Lions, it has been a year of encouraging success in reaching our 2004-2005 program objectives and in sharing the good will and mutual respect that are basic ingredients of Lions Clubs International. I sincerely thank everyone for their tremendous support in making it possible to enhance our image as the world’s largest and most active service club organization. You are all to be commended for your unwavering resolve to Share Success Through Service. Let us now look forward to continuing this pace of commitment and accomplishment next year and in the years to come.”

With these words, outgoing International President Dr. Clement F. Kusiak concluded his report during the Wednesday, June 29, opening session of the 88th International Convention in Hong Kong, China at the Hong Kong Coliseum. He stressed the many successes Lions worldwide recorded during the year and the manner in which they shared their thoughts and ideas on how they could organize and implement even more extensive activities.

The number of registrants totaled 15,170 and they were welcomed to the convention site by both the newly elected Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Donald Tsang and Mrs. Selina Chow, chairperson of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Both invited their visitors to take full advantage of all the city had to offer in way of sightseeing, shopping, dining and cultural attractions.

Immediate Past President Dr. Tae-Sup Lee, who served as chairperson of the LCIF Executive Committee during the year, reported on how the foundation expanded its success in helping Lions around the world provide greater community and humanitarian services. He especially emphasized the response of the foundation and the Lions of South Asia to the destruction caused by the tsunami disaster. “LCIF is supporting the building of thousands of homes by Lions in South Asia. The foundation is currently reviewing comprehensive rebuilding plans proposed by committees of leading Lions in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand.” Later in his report, Dr. Lee invited onto stage Dr. John Ang, vice president of professional and regulatory affairs of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Asia-Pacific. Since 2002, the foundation has partnered with the company in the “Sight For Kids” program. Johnson & Johnson has been a generous contributor to the program and Dr. Ang presented a check to the foundation in the amount of $290,000.

The opening session ended with the traditional presentation of the flags representing the member nations of the association. Prior to this, however, special entertainment was provided by the talented China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe. Everyone in attendance agreed the deaf young adults staged an amazing performance. The flag ceremony was narrated by Second Vice President Jimmy Ross who began by observing, “The flags testify to the fact that the spirit of voluntary service can and does cross borders and oceans. By sharing the vision represented by the philosophy of We Serve, Lions help foster lasting peace and mutual respect among people the world over.”

Lions, Lionesses and Leos participating in the many seminars and forums, Monday through Thursday, gained a wealth of information and inspiration to help them become still better able to provide leadership in their clubs and districts.

Read more about the convention:
The Closing Session and the Installation of a New President
Celebrating Global Fellowship: The Big Parade
The International Contest
Academy Awards: An Evening of Stars