After just returning home from Bucharest following a wonderful Governance Day and General Assembly, I am slowly getting used to normal life again - including swapping elegant dinners for my lunchbox and water bottle. And, thankfully, the flu virus that decided to accompany me home has now left my body as well.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Romanian Association of Occupational Therapists, APTOR, for their warm welcome and hospitality. You made us feel truly at home in Bucharest. And after three dinners accompanied by dance performances, dinner at home suddenly feels rather quiet. The dancing will definitely be missed!
This year’s gathering was extra special as we celebrated 40 years of COTEC - with cake, of course. Forty years of connecting National Associations, sharing knowledge and strengthening our profession across Europe.
Our General Assembly was also a moment of change. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Lisa Wetzlmair-Kephart, who served as Vice President Finance, Ann-Marie Morrissey, our Vice President Administration, and Anneliis Aavik, who served as Member of the Executive Committee, for the time, energy, expertise and commitment they have dedicated to COTEC over the years. Their contributions have helped shape COTEC, and we wish them every success and happiness in their future professional and personal endeavours.
At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Rachele Simeone as our new Vice-President Finance and Sara Correla-Pérez as our new Vice-President Administration. We are very much looking forward to the perspectives and enthusiasm they will bring to the Executive Committee.
Bucharest reminded me once again that COTEC is not simply an organisation. It is a network of people who meet, exchange ideas, challenge each other, celebrate together and stand together in advocacy, strengthening the voice of Occupational Therapy across Europe.
As Autumn begins, I hope we can carry some of that Bucharest energy with us into the months ahead.
Warm regards,
Tiska Ikking
Member of the COTEC Executive Committee