Rotary District 2110 Assembly 2025–2026

Uniting Sicily and Malta to Do Good

From 16–18 May 2025, the Rotary District 2110 Assembly was held at the Four Points Sheraton in Catania, Aci Castello, marking a pivotal moment in preparing for the 2025–2026 Rotary year. Delegates from Malta’s Rotary Club La Valette — Brian Sullivan, Clare Vassallo, and Alessandro Liberto — proudly represented Malta in this dynamic international gathering.

The Assembly opened with anthems of Italy, Malta, the European Union, and Rotary, setting the tone for a weekend defined by unity and purpose. District Governor Elect (DGE) Sergio Malizia welcomed hundreds of Rotarians to a packed conference hall and unveiled the year’s inspiring theme: “Uniti per fare il bene” (United to Do Good).

Opening remarks by leaders, including Rosanna Aiello (President, RC Aci Castello), outgoing Governor Giuseppe Pitari, DGN Lina Ricciardello, and DGD Casimiro Castronovo, warmly highlighted the collaborative nature of the district. The international reach of District 2110 — bridging Sicily and Malta — was proudly acknowledged.

One of the Assembly’s most inspiring voices was that of Francesco Arezzo, PRID and President of the Rotary Foundation Italy, and Rotary International President for 2025–2026. Arezzo shared the remarkable early success of the Fondazione Rotary Italia, which has already raised over $2.8 million, with 25 major gifts positioning Italy among the top global contributors. Alongside Stefano Clementoni and PRID Alberto Cecchini, he urged clubs to deliver impactful, measurable projects and to embrace generosity as a cultural pillar of Rotary service.

Malta’s Rotary Club La Valette was spotlighted during a presentation by Francesco Saccà, Chair of the Governor’s Project Commission. Titled “Insieme con gioia nel Rotary”, the initiative celebrates local excellence through a ten-stage, cross-territory tour aimed at combining community engagement with fundraising. Representing Malta on the commission, Alessandro Liberto will coordinate events scheduled for May 2026.

In addition to strategy and service planning, the Assembly offered moments of cultural enrichment and fellowship. Attendees enjoyed “Notte di Donna”, a mesmerising concert featuring Paola Caldarella (saxophone) and Cristina Gianino (piano), and a gala dinner at the scenic Grand Hotel Baia Verde — a setting as memorable as the friendships formed there.

DGE Malizia laid out his three core focus areas: membership, Rotary Foundation engagement, and youth development. His program also introduces monthly Rotary breakfasts to encourage casual, non-institutional connections among club members — a simple tradition with lasting impact.

Three headline fundraising events will mark the music-driven spirit of the year:

• Noa in concert (2 August, Teatro di Verdura, Palermo)
• Sei Ottavi a cappella (23 November, Teatro Golden)
• HJO Jazz Orchestra (11 December, Teatro Massimo Bellini, Catania)

A moving addition to the program is the Pet Therapy Project, spearheaded by Angela and Sergio Malizia, in memory of two beloved dogs, Kiwi and Simba. Funds raised through solidarity postcards will support child- and elder-focused care associations across eastern and western Sicily.

Finally, PDG Attilio Bruno underscored the importance of nurturing membership with heart and vision, encouraging clubs to prioritise meaningful relationships and create welcoming, dynamic communities.

The 2025–2026 Rotary year is poised to be one of energy, innovation, and human connection, grounded in Rotary’s enduring values and animated by the shared purpose to do good.