The expansion of Optimist International in the Middle East is proceeding full steam ahead and for the moment in Lebanon. The Al Iklim Optimist Club organized with 15 members at the beginning of June of this year, thanks to the sponsorship of the Optimist International Club of Beirut and the Dorwood Optimist Club in Ohio. The end of the month brought with it the organization of the 15 member Shabab City Optimist Club in the Bekaa Valley. Optimist International Club of Lebanon was again the sponsor, and this time co-sponsorship is coming from the Watertown, South Dakota Optimist Club. There are now six Clubs in Lebanon and expectations are for at least two more before the end of July of this year.