Rotarians working hard in the community were recognised at a special ceremony attended by the new district governor of the Rotary Clubs of Bermuda.

Syed Alirahi oversees district 7230, which Bermuda falls under, and said during the Hamilton Rotary Club lunch at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club this week that the island’s clubs, dedicated to serving others, were showing good progress.

Numerous members won recognition at the ceremony, some of whom received special awards.

These included George Cook, the former president of Bermuda College, who won the Trailblazer Award.

Beverley Daniels received the Award of Service, Joy Lusher was given the Medal of Grace and Fortitude, and the Special Award of Excellence was bestowed on Raphael Loutoby.

Describing Bermuda as the crown in the Rotary family, Mr Alirahi told the gathering: “Any place we go, people ask, how come you got connected with Bermuda? I am so proud.

“I have come here for the last three or four years and every year I come, I see the progress, the unity and work you do — it’s really amazing.

“My job as a district governor, and all the district governors before me, is to go and see the clubs and motivate them to get new members and to fundraise.

“We motivate the presidents and then I have to report to Rotary International on membership increase, the support of humanity, sharing and donating.

“Bermuda has a very good history.”

The district he overseas includes 53 clubs. Mr Alirahi, who is an electrical engineer by profession and was the charter president of the Rotary Club of Westchester, New York, said it is important for Bermuda to continue to attract new members.

Martin Shulman, the former district governor, said: “Each club represents the face of its community. They are looking to continue that through the service they do, both within their community and internationally.

“Anyone who shares that passion should connect with a Rotarian and see if it fits. There is plenty of room.”

Dr Cook, who retired as president of Bermuda College in 2001, was recognised for his contributions to the community, including his initiative to plant 100 trees as the Rotary Club of Hamilton celebrated its 100th anniversary in February.

The Hamilton Rotary Interact Club planted a tree last week at Warwick Academy.

Mr Syed brought some backpacks with school supplies for members of the Hamilton Rotary Interact Club, and also presented the Hamilton Rotary Club with a plaque, which was received by Cathy Bassett, its president.

Dr Loutoby has organised the Hamilton Rotary Club Walk and Run in the name of conquering kidney disease for the past seven years.

The 5km event is open to members of the public to participate, with proceeds helping to educate, inform and screen for risk factors of non-communicable diseases.

• Anyone interested in taking part can register atwww.raceworld.comunder Hamilton Rotary Club Walk and Run. For more information about the Rotary Clubs of Bermuda, visitwww.rotary.bm

It followed special recognition given by St George’s Rotary Club to five members who gave more than 30 years of exceptional service, and still serve today.

Winston Esdaille, Michael Gringley, Henry Hayward, Fred Ming and Larry Roberts were presented with long service awards by the club president, Shammara Simmons.