Rotarians attending Rotary International’s 105th Annual Convention in Sydney have broken two world records by climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge. Over 340 Rotarians climbed the iconic bridge, breaking the previous record of 308 and in so doing setting a new record for the number of flags flown from the bridge. Half of the money raised from the bridge climb will be donated to End Polio Now.
The achievement took place against the backdrop of an announcement on June 1 by Australia’s Prime Minister Tony Abbott, that the Australian government is committing $100m to help fill the polio eradication funding gap. The funds will be spread over five years and will go towards making countries in northern Africa and the Middle East polio free.
Dr Robert S. Scott, MD, Chair of Rotary International’s PolioPlus Committee said: “We are proud to stand alongside the government of Australia and applaud its commitment to protecting the world’s most vulnerable children against polio.”
Over 18,000 Rotarians from 152 countries including Great Britain and Ireland, are attending the convention at the Sydney Olympic Park. Speakers include Tommy Spaulding who will present Changing the World One Relationship at a time, former Australian cricket star, Brett Lee and Ade Adepitan, paralympian, award winning television broadcaster and polio survivor.
The famous Sydney Olympic Torch was lit to mark the opening of the convention for the first time since the city hosted the Olympic Games in 2000.
