Rotary clubs of Saipan, Tokyo Hachioji South forge sister club relationship

The Rotary Club of Saipan and Rotary Club of Tokyo Hachioji South certified its agreement to a sister club relationship yesterday afternoon at the Azucena room of Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan.

Thirty-five visiting Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Tokyo Hachioji South, Rotary Club of Saipan, and Rotaract members witnessed the two Rotary clubs formalizing their partnership to connect communities through service and fellowship.

“This certificate we just exchanged represents far more than words. It symbolizes a bridge across the Pacific. The distance between Saipan and Tokyo may be measured in miles but the spirit of what we know, no boundaries are joined hands today with our friend in Tokyo Hachioji South, we are not just creating a partnership, we’re building a family,” said Rotary Club of Saipan president Joann Aquino.

The message delivered by Aquino was interpreted in Japanese by of Rotary Club of Saipan member Hiroko Stewart.

Aquino added in her message that Rotary’s model of service transcends borders through humanitarian projects, education initiatives, and environmental efforts. The combined strength of Rotary members allows them to achieve more than they could alone.

She also mentioned that Rotary members embrace opportunities to serve their communities and their cultures and demonstrate their commitment to service above self.

According to Aquino, the presence of the Rotary Club of Tokyo Hachioji South filled her with joy and optimism for the future. She hopes to build a stronger relationship through friendship and shared commitment to service.

“Your presence here today filled us with joy and optimism for the future we will build together. May the sister club relationship grow stronger with each passing year in which through the friendship we forge and the lives we touch through our shared commitment to serve,” added Aquino.

Meanwhile, Rotary Club of Tokyo Hachioji South president Masayuki Wakimoto said that it was his first visit to Saipan with Rotary members in 10 years and that he is grateful for the opportunity to plan the resumption of the high school student exchange program with the Rotary Club of Saipan.

“This year and I made my class local bonding in actions. This is because I want you to cherish a bonding and take action to deepen our friendship and I am very happy I could visit Saipan with many members today for the first time in 10 years as a friendship trip and meet members from Rotary Club of Saipan today. I’m also very grateful that we will be able to resume and start planning the high school student exchange and student program with the Rotary of Club of Saipan this year,” said Wakimoto.

Former Rotary Club of Saipan president David “Uncle Dave” M. Sablan then spoke in Japanese and serenaded visiting members of the Rotary Club of Tokyo Hachioji South with a Japanese song.

The meeting was concluded with the awarding of a plaque and group photo.