President's Opening Address 15 July 2010
Did you watch the World Cup? Who was your favorite team? Your favorite player? What was your favorite moment? Do you still remember Octopus Paul, the animal oracle that correctly predicted the result of every Germany game at the World Cup? He signed off with a perfect eight out of eight record by picking Spain to beat the Netherlands in the final. One bookmaker in London claimed the octopus's forecasts cost them £500,000 as punters flocked to follow his advice. After seeing how accurate Paul’s prediction can be, I have decided that the next President will be chosen by Paul, the Octopus.
I do not watch football regularly, but once every four year, I will look forward to the World Cup and follow it diligently because it is a “beautiful” game. To me, World Cup also stands for something else: “Whole-hearted Commitment”. To be there to compete at the World Cup, all the players and teams need to have the highest level of commitment for excellence in order to win.
Which accomplished artist, which aspiring athlete, which champion speaker can be who and where they are without a firm and unwavering commitment to be the best in their field? The world has shown us that with “Commitment”, you can achieve your dream and goal. Nelson Mandela changed the life of millions of Africans through his commitment to end apartheid. Martin Luther King achieved equal rights for all through his commitment to end racial segregation.
As toastmasters, I urge you to stay committed in your pursue as an accomplished speaker in your toastmaster journey. There are no overnight successes. Many a success story tells of hidden and untold tears and pain. If you stay committed, you will ultimately succeed.
Let me share with you what is truly a whole-hearted commitment: The following story took place in a farmhouse belonging to Farmer Jones. In a heated debate, each animal wanted to prove that his or her kind was most committed to Farmer Jones. Mrs Cow mooed, “We are the most committed. Everyday, we would give our milk to feed Farmer Jones and his family”. “Not so” insisted Mrs Hen, “We are even more committed. Everyday, we give our offspring, our eggs, to feed Farmer Jones and his family.” Then appeared a wise old pig from amongst the crowd. He waived his pork knuckles and said gravely, “My fellow animals. Lend me your ears! When you give, it is a contribution. But when I give, it is TOTAL commitment”
I do not watch football regularly, but once every four year, I will look forward to the World Cup and follow it diligently because it is a “beautiful” game. To me, World Cup also stands for something else: “Whole-hearted Commitment”. To be there to compete at the World Cup, all the players and teams need to have the highest level of commitment for excellence in order to win.
Which accomplished artist, which aspiring athlete, which champion speaker can be who and where they are without a firm and unwavering commitment to be the best in their field? The world has shown us that with “Commitment”, you can achieve your dream and goal. Nelson Mandela changed the life of millions of Africans through his commitment to end apartheid. Martin Luther King achieved equal rights for all through his commitment to end racial segregation.
As toastmasters, I urge you to stay committed in your pursue as an accomplished speaker in your toastmaster journey. There are no overnight successes. Many a success story tells of hidden and untold tears and pain. If you stay committed, you will ultimately succeed.
Let me share with you what is truly a whole-hearted commitment: The following story took place in a farmhouse belonging to Farmer Jones. In a heated debate, each animal wanted to prove that his or her kind was most committed to Farmer Jones. Mrs Cow mooed, “We are the most committed. Everyday, we would give our milk to feed Farmer Jones and his family”. “Not so” insisted Mrs Hen, “We are even more committed. Everyday, we give our offspring, our eggs, to feed Farmer Jones and his family.” Then appeared a wise old pig from amongst the crowd. He waived his pork knuckles and said gravely, “My fellow animals. Lend me your ears! When you give, it is a contribution. But when I give, it is TOTAL commitment”
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