Domingo-Sábado - Lunes - Martes - Miércoles Sábado - Domingo (junio 22-23) President King welcomes convention-goers I'm happy to welcome Rotarians and guests to the 2002 Rotary International Convention in beautiful Barcelona. We have gathered here to enjoy the unique international fellowship that can only be found at a Rotary convention. Some of my fondest Rotary memories are of the many conventions Cherie and I have attended and the fascinating people we were so fortunate to meet at each of these events. In a year of tremendous challenges for Rotary, we have seen unprecedented expansion, new community and global service projects, an enhancement of Rotary's public image, and a new vitality in the first Rotary year of the 21st century. Rotarians and Rotary clubs are more needed today than ever before. We have therefore introduced some new features to the convention this year. On Monday afternoon, a special plenary session will be devoted to Rotary's New Generations-Rotaractors, Interactors, RYLArians, and Youth Exchange Students, all of whom will participate in their own groups' conventions on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Also joining us on stage at the New Generations plenary will be some of our newest and youngest Rotary members, telling us why they joined Rotary. In a year when membership is constantly in the spotlight, a highlight of this convention will naturally be the announcement of our Global Quest successes and the winning clubs and districts on Monday morning. We plan a tremendous celebration announcing total membership and new club growth as reported by RI membership coordinators around the world. We can also look forward to some dazzling entertainment, beginning with Luis Cobos Orchestra at Sunday's Opening Plenary Session and concluding on Wednesday evening with a performance by American entertainer Jerry Lewis, who will receive Rotary's Award of Honor for his humanitarian work for children at the opening plenary session. I will also present a special award to Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the Soviet Union, for his role in ending the cold war. Mr. Gorbachev will address the convention on Tuesday morning. Past RI president Cliff Dochterman, Foundation Trustee Chairman Luis Giay, and other great Rotarian speakers will also address the convention. I encourage you to attend all the plenary sessions, participate in the workshops, and frequent the House of Friendship, where you'll have many opportunities to see old friends and make new ones. Let us take this opportunity to celebrate the countless ways Rotarians have demonstrated that Mankind Is Our Business. Richard D. King President Rotary International Caption President Richard D. King and his wife, Cherie