Go instead where there is none and leave your trail

(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

On May 22, 2026, the Rotary Clube International of Lagoa celebrated its 10th anniversary with dinner and show at the Hotel Algarve Casino in Praia da Rocha, with approximately 100 guests, including members of the Rotary Clube Internacional de Lagoa, its former foundes, the Rotary Clube de Albufeira, the Rotary Clube de Almancil, the Rotary Clube de Estói, the Rotary Clube de Lagos and the Fench Club of Lyon South.

As mentioned by the Presidente of the Rotary Clube Internacional de Lagoa, Franco Pasotto, “... Ten years are only the blink of an eye in the life of a club, but a whole chapter in the lives of those who chose to serve it.

This booklet tells the story of our decade: presidents, projects, encounters, handovers of responsibility, but above all, the same desire to devote our energy to serving others.

I wish to thank our founders for the courage to start this adventure, the presidents who came before me for their example and constancy, and every member for their presence, their time and their heart.

Our club is French‑speaking, but our common language remains that of service, friendship and respect. Rotary is about serving, and serving together is our true wealth.

As you turn these pages, you will discover what we have built, sometimes discreetly, always with conviction.

To the next ten years: even more useful, even more open, even more faithful to our commitment...”

The Rotary Club Lagoa International Francophone was officially founded on 22 May 2016, with the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Loulé. From the very beginning, the vision was clear: to create a club in the Algarve with a francophone identity, open to the international community, and ready to put the experience and generosity of its members at the service of the local population.

Based in Lagoa, the club at the beginning brought together French Rotarians, but during the years welcomed members from different countries, united by a common language of the heart and by the values of Rotary.

Very soon, the club became concretely involved in the field. One of the first major challenges was the devastating fire in Monchique, which deeply affected the region. The club provided support to those impacted by this disaster, immediately demonstrating its commitment to being present in difficult times and to responding to the urgent needs of the territory.

In the same spirit, the Rotary Club Lagoa International Francophone helped to equip the health centre of Lagoa with medical instruments, in order to improve the welcome and care offered to patients. The club’s action is not limited to emergencies or equipment; it is also part of long‑term human and social support.

The club supports the association WLPT, which is dedicated to protecting people who are victims of domestic violence, helping to give concrete resources to those who work every day for the safety and dignity of the most vulnerable.

It also supports the association Accreditar, which helps families with children suffering from cancer, offering support during periods of great emotional and material fragility.

At the international level, the club takes part in major Rotary programmes, particularly the PolioPlus initiative, which aims to eradicate polio worldwide. Even though most of its actions are focused on the Algarve and Lagoa, the club is thus part of the global dynamic of Rotary International, contributing to a cause that transcends borders and connects clubs all around the world.

Today, the Rotary Club Lagoa International Francophone has 14 members and is in a phase of growth. This modest number is a strength: it allows for a family spirit, close relationships between members, and great responsiveness when it comes to launching a project or supporting an initiative.

Over the years, each presidency has brought its own sensitivity, priorities and projects, while keeping the same common thread: to serve first, with seriousness, fellowship and openness

After ten years, the club can look back with pride on the road travelled: strong local actions, visible commitment within the community, solid partnerships with grassroots associations, and participation in Rotary’s international efforts. But this story is not over: it continues to be written with each new action, each new member, each gesture of solidarity.

The first pages are already rich; the next ones we will build together, in the service of Lagoa, the Algarve and beyond.