The
history of Leoism dates back to the 1950s. The first Leo club of the world
Abington High School Leo Club was founded by Jim Graver with the help of
William Ernest in 1957 in Pennsylvania, USA. The club created the LEO acronym –
Leadership, Equality, and Opportunity and chose maroon and gold (their school
colors) to serve as the Leo club colors.
In 1969, the first Leo club of Sri
Lanka, the Leo Club of Wattala was inaugurated. In 1978, the Leo Multiple 306
Sri Lanka was subdivided into 306A and 306B as there were sufficient Leo Clubs
to have sub-districts. In 2005, a major redistricting occurred where the Leo
Multiple 306 was subdivided into 6 districts; Leo District 306A1, 306A2, 306B1,
306B2, 306C1 and 306C2.
The Leo Clubs have been growing over the recent years
with an international network of over 7000 clubs in 145 countries. Today, the
Leos stand as a very strong community, taking an active interest in the civic, cultural,
moral and social welfare of the community. Community service remains the
cornerstone of the program, fostering a lifetime commitment to helping others.
Written by Leo Lumini Yasara
Written by Leo Lumini Yasara