World Congress 2007, Antalya, Turkey

News and Updates from the Scottish Delegation

Greetings from Antalya, Turkey, where seven JCI Edinburgh members are representing you amongst a delegation of around 3000 JCI members from across the world at World Congress 2007.

Most of us arrived on Saturday (meeting up with other members from Aberdeen and Glasgow) to the Russian Themed splendour of the Kremlin Palace Resort, in Antlaya, on the southern coast of Turkey. Glorious weather welcomed us on Sunday and after a few hours and a few beers beside the pool, a traditional Turkish meal rounded off our day. However, any jealously on your part as regards the weather would be unfounded, as we've had thunder, lightening and grey skies ever since!

Events properly kicked off with the Opening Ceremony and Turkish Party on Monday evening- following the traditional parade of National Presidents we enjoyed some traditional food and drink, traditional Turkish music all followed by some thumping "Europop" until the early hours. We are also here to promote Burns Supper and National Conference, and we hope to welcome many of our international friends to Edinburgh in 2008.

As yet, the Scots have not yet managed to drink the All Inclusive bars dry, but we will keep trying!

More updates to follow soon!

Ally, Lesley, Lindsey, Brian, Mel, Karen, Katie, and all the way from Oz, Tanya!

News: Thursday 8th November

After a leisurely day spent browsing the trade stands and relaxing by the pool (including Lesley's "Sauna Trauma"- ask her when she gets home!) the evening kicked off with a Mexican meal in one of the hotel's restaurants. This was all followed by the German Party Night. Known as one of the best nights at any European or World Congress, we spent most of the evening on Turkish style floor cushions, chilling and drinking beer! The JCI Edinburgh ladies were particularly pleased later in the evening to share a cushion with World President Scott Greenlee.

Wednesday was one of the busy days for the delegation. With Graham Hanlon from JCI Ireland campaigning in General Assembly to be the next World President, various trainings and the World Debating Championships in which JCI Scotland had entered a team that included Alastair Davis and Karen Manson from JCI Edinburgh, and Alison McMahon from JCI Glasgow. After seeing off the USA and Austria, we made it to a three way final (the winner being decided on points after two debates) against Norway and Finland. We await the result at Friday's Opening Ceremony.

Events on Wednesday were rounded off with JCI USA and JCI Canada party nights, which included the amazing "Karma Kameleons" band that Canada had flown in especially for the event!

Today, we have been made honourary Irish, and have donned green t-shirts and Irish flags to see Graham Hanlon elected as the next JCI World President, as well as taking in some sunshine (well, about 20 minutes of it) beside the pool!

News: Sunday 11th November

Another World Congress has drawn to a close, with the traditional Gala Dinner and Dancing into the wee small hours. Our friend from Ireland, Graham Hanlon, was inaugurated as the 2008 World President.

The night before saw the 2007 World Awards ceremony. Very sadly, JCI Scotland were narrowly beaten (again) in the finals of the World Debating Championship, with the winners being JCI Norway. Will it be third time lucky in New Delhi in 2008?

All in all, a great time was had by all. Attending a European or World Conference is one of the most amazing and culturally enriching experiences that you can have in JCI and one which every member should consider.

Look out for more information soon about European Conference 2008 in Turku, Finland!