Toastmasters’ Ovation 2017 to celebrate ‘Journey to Stardom’

In a quest to inspire individuals to become stars in their own spheres, Ovation 2017 – the annual conference of Toastmasters’ District 82, will delve into an stimulating theme ‘Journey to Stardom’. 
Scheduled to be held from May 26 to 28 at Waters Edge Battaramulla, Ovation is the most-awaited event for over 6500 Toastmasters in 205 clubs of District 82, which consists of Sri Lanka and the State of Tamil Nadu, India. 
The conference will be inaugurated on May 26 at the aegis of Toastmasters International President Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Mike Storkey in the presence of over 800 participants. 
The second day of the conference will have an interesting line up of educational sessions, including the keynote speech by the World Champion of Public Speaking 2014, Dananjaya Hettiarachchi, and international and impromptu speech contests. 
This year, 24 contestants from 12 Toastmasters divisions will vie amongst each other for the coveted title of district champion of impromptu and international speech contests, where the District 82 will be selecting its contestant for the World Championship of Public Speaking to be held in August in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Speaking of the Ovation, DTM Toastmasters District 82 Director Sudash Liyanage said, “Our district has produced many stars in speaking as well as leadership; Ovation 2017 will set stage for many toastmasters to embark on their journey 
to stardom.”  
Former District Governor and Ovation 2017 Conference Chairman DTM Zameen M. Saleem expressing his views on the event said, “Ovation 2017 will showcase Toastmasters International President and World Champion of Public Speaking on one stage. I am excited as the conference chairman to make this conference a memorable one for all toastmasters.”
Apart from providing a stage for its members to showcase their prowess in oratory and help them hone their public speaking and communication skills, Ovation 2017 is also an occasion for camaraderie and networking. Toastmasters is also an organisation that respects and embrace diversity.
Ovation 2017 will bring to light a fusion of Indian and Sri Lankan cultures, celebrating the diversity of its members. The Fun Night planned on May 27, at the Lawn, Waters Edge, will be yet another most-anticipated segment. Aptly themed ‘Dance in the Rain’, this year’s Fun Night will be a trip back in time to the 70s.
The event is made possible by several sponsors, namely Prime Group as Strategic partner, ATG Gloves as Corporate sponsor and Main sponsors – Singer Sri Lanka, Bank of Ceylon and Hayleys.