Banner Presentation by RYE Connor Ovens

Thanks to PP Dr Ian Fairnie's Presidential Year goal to get Applecross Rotary back into the Youth Exchange Program,  Connor Ovens in early 2020 embarked on his Rotary Youth Exchange to Germany hosted by the Rotary Club of Willich in District 1870.  

 

Connor took the opportunity at our special event celebrating the Club's 50 Anniversary and Changeover 2021 to present the RC of Willich's banner.

 

Connor had barely arrived at his first host parent's home when Germany went into lockdown due to the COVID pandemic.  His first 3 months was an exercise in resilience and he joined a few Club meetings via Zoom at 2am his local time to keep us updated on his situation.  He did have the opportunity to return home, however to his credit he stuck it out and was rewarded with experiencing Germany when some of the restrictions were lifted.

 

I found the following post on Facebook that indicates what an excellent ambassador Connor was for our Club. We thank the Rotary Club of Willich for hosting Connor and giving him the 'experience of a lifetime'.

 

Connor is studying Physiotherapy at Curtin University and even though this is very demanding on his time, he is still keeping up his support for the provisional City of Melville Rotaract Club that we are looking forward to them becoming an full Rotaract Club soon.

It was great to see Conner's parents Chris and Brent Caithness at the event.  We are very appreciative of the support that Chris made as a member of the Applecross Rotary Youth Committee, especially in helping getting us back into the Youth Exchange program.