Jekyll Island Day 3 - The presentation

Saturday 17th April


Today was the big day as it would be our turn to take to the stage and address the conference with our presentation that we have all worked so hard on over the last six months. But before that there was the small matter of the 5k charity race for which we have received so much sponsorship money from various rotary clubs back in the UK. We had to get up even earlier this morning as the race was due to start at 07:00.

Getting ready for the 5k race at sunrise

Those of you who did donate you can be assured that you got your monies worth as a fantastic effort saw all the team finishing well up the front end of the field with Steve coming in as overall race winner. Roy was pleased to be awarded first place in the veterans race although his pride took a bit of a hit when he found out the only other veteran walked the whole distance finishing a full 30 minutes behind him. All the money raised will be going towards Rotary’s work to eradicate Polio throughout the world.

It was then straight back to the hotel for a shower and change into our uniforms before heading off for our moment in the spotlight. Backstage in the ‘green room’ everyone was feeling nervous with a tinge of excitement, wondering how we would be received by our Georgian hosts. As we were introduced to the stage the crowed got to their feet and put their hands together and gave us the kind of welcome usually reserved for royalty. One by one we stepped up to the microphone and addressed the crowd with our individually prepared speeches. All the hard work we had put in over the previous six months paid off as the claps and the laughs came in all the right places and every member of the team each received a standing ovation. We were then given front row seats in order for us to watch our opposite numbers, the outgoing US GSE Team deliver their presentation which they duly did in a slick, polished and professional manner. It was such a relief for both teams to have finished and performed so well, everyone had a beaming smile from ear to ear as individual praise was given out to us from our fantastic hosts as we left the building.

The US GSE Team on stage just after their presentation.

(OUR TEAM PHOTO TO FOLLOW ONECE I GET IT!)

The afternoon saw both GSE Teams dolphin spotting just off the coast of Jekyll Island, which was a great way to relax after such a busy morning.

Dolphin watching off Jekyll Island

Everyone looked stunning as they dressed in their finest for the black tie evening.

District 6910 Dinner Evening

During the course of the weekend we have been hearing about so much of the good work that is carried out by individuals and clubs in the rotary district 6910 and this was highlighted this evening when one young 19yr old woman from Lebanon gave an inspiring speech describing her experience as a GRSP student in Georgia, which brought it home to all of our team how influential and life changing such cultural exchanges can be, and the important role they play in creating bonds between the four corners of the world.

The evening ended in a fabulous firework display