From left are Allan Baker, Gerald Koenig and Belleair Rotary President Ana Maria Schweitzer.
BELLEAIR - At a recent meeting at Belleair Rotary Club, Allan Baker introduced our speaker attorney Gerald Koenig, a friend of his.
Koenig’s resume in the service above self category is impressive having been a member or Rotary, Lions, Eagles, Big Brothers and Make a Wish at different times and in different cities. He was an attorney in Shawano, Wis., for 18 years and has been affiliated with the United States Olympic Committee for many years as well as the International Olympic Committee.
Koenig spoke to Rotary members at length about the ability of sports to transcend the differences in cultures and bring people together. He also expressed dismay at the win at all cost attitude that seems to have become prevalent in all sports. Koenig shared his many adventures in foreign countries and having to try almost any and everything in order to not offend the host country. He said he always felt as if he was welcomed in the countries he visited and attributed this to the worldwide love of sports.
The Belleair Rotary Club meets every Thursday at 12:15 p.m. at the Belleair Country Club.