Nelson began his speech to the Club by appealing for a sponsor so that he can stay here. Nelson said that he always wanted to come to Australia and had visions of the outback, Kangaroos in the streets etc. But for him the reality was much better.
Nelson admitted that, although he spoke English, he didn't have a clue what was being said at this first Rotary meeting and he thought our use of Sarcasm in humour was rude. Wagga Wagga was not what he had in mind when he asked to come to Australia for exchange. He had visions of a host parent located in Sydney by the harbour.
Fronm the day he first attended School he loved it. He made many friends whom he shall greatly miss. He recounted his amazing trips to Sydney, Uluru, Broken Hill and many other places assisted by members of our Club. At short notice he was able to attend the New Year's Eve fireworks from a boat on Sydney Harbour thanks to Darren Wallace.
Nelson thanked his four host families for their welcome and said he will miss them all. He particularly thanked Paul and Gioia Gianniotis who were his counsellors. "They were like a family to me all year"
During his stay Nelson tried his hand at Shearing a Sheep, lamb marking, Water skiing and travelling around Australia. He described it all as fun and crazy.
Nelson thanked current President Phil McIntosh and PP Andy Irvine for their roles in making him welcome and include all club members in his thanks. Nelson was able to remember every club member's name, a great feat for a young man who saw many of us only at weekly meetings.
He concluded his speech with a video which would do justice to the Australian Travel Industry as a promotional video of Australia. He was assisted in making the video by Michael Knight and John Egan to whom he expressed his gratitude.
President Phil McIntosh replied to Nelson's farewell speech by saying that "12 months ago Nelson you arrived here as a reserved 16 year old. Within three weeks you had settled in and have now developed into a fine young man. Take this experience and leverage off it. Youhave picked up our language extremely well. On behalf of the Club I thank you for leaving such a positive impression. Good luck Mate, we will miss you and your humour. Thank you to all in the Club who have made Nelson's stay so positive, especially to host families and to Paul Gianniotis and Darren Wallace.
President Phil presents Nelson with an Akubra and Drizabone.
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| At the airport |
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