Members of Hunn/Gjøvik Rotary club meeting Riga Ridzene Rotary club members in Gjøvik

Norwegian National Day parade in Gjøvik

Members of both clubs are ready for  a Global Grant project planning

Riga Ridzene Rotary club was invited by Hunn/Gjøvik Rotary  club to visit Norway – Gjøvik . Members of  Riga Ridzene club spent  in Gjøvik several unforgettable days . First of all we were honored  to  watch the celebration of  Norway’s National  Constitution Day  on the 17^th of May. Norwegian  hosts  were proud to  show us  how Norwegians  dress up in their national traditional costumes,   hit the streets and  party. There’s no displays of military power  as Norway’s Constitution Day is all about the children  and their march in parades.Parade attracted  thousands  of people waving flags and  greeting participants.

We also visited sites of interest in the town  including impressive   Olympiske Fjellhall –  the largest known stadium built within a mountain.

Our visit pursued another goal too –  to  make outlines of our common Global Grant  charity  project.  This project is  aimed to help to solve the problem of the  children  drowning  in Latvia  “Swimming as a Lifesaving Skill”. At the moment  statistics puts LV  in  the first place in the EU  – 6 drowned  children per  100 000 people.  The most effective way to combat drowning deaths is through appropriate and effective preventive measures. Experts agree that swimming and water safety lessons for children are critical. Latvia has no cohesive swimming  programs so far , with each trainer teaching in their own way. The education of trainers is vital, along with a proven and systematic approach to teaching children and adults. The  equipment  to save people’s lives until the ambulance arrives  is also vital.

The total cost of the project is planned to be around 60 000 Euros  We, host sponsor Riga Ridzene RC in D2410 and international sponsor Hunn/Gjøvik RC in 2305, hope  that the project could come  true  with the  support of our friends – Rotary clubs in Latvia  and abroad.

In case of interest to get the information about the project in detail , please contact Mrs. Ina Resčevska, Project leader , Riga Ridzene RC, D2410, Latvia , ina@rotary.lv  and Mr. Arne Mellerud, Hunn/Gjøvik RC, 2305, Norvay, arne.mellerud@outlook.com