Kick off of the River Cleanup Europe in Rotterdam with RI President Yinka

Rotary International President Olayinka "Yinka" Hakeem Babalola visited Rotterdam, Netherlands, to participate in the EndPlasticSoup Breakfast River Clean-Up. [1]

The event took place in September 2026 as part of the Rotary European Action Summit 2026. [1, 2]

Key Highlights of the Event

• The Mission: Rotarians, Rotaractors, and local volunteers gathered early in the morning to pull plastic pollution out of Rotterdam's waterways to support a cleaner, plastic-free future. [1]

• Presidential Engagement: President Yinka Babalola delivered an inspiring opening speech alongside co-founders and youth leaders before the volunteers headed onto the water. [1]

• Broader Summit Goals: His presence highlighted his 2026–27 presidential theme, "Create Lasting Impact," focusing heavily on environmental sustainability and community-driven action. [1]

President Babalola, who made history as the second African leader to guide Rotary International, continues to use global summits like the one in Rotterdam to mobilize volunteer efforts for local ecological preservation.

Georges Lebeau, Past President of RC Atlântico, lent his enthusiasm and support to this event, representing both our club and End Plastic Soup Portugal.