A Pitt Meadows resident will be representing the Blue Heron Toastmasters club in Washington, D.C. for an international competition this summer.
When Andrew Thompson joined the toastmasters group six years ago, he only competed in local competitions.
But his recent speech on his personal experience with forgiveness during a district competition garnered the attention of judges – enough to be named district champion.
Winning his new title is the farthest Thompson has ever gone in the speech competitions he's participated in this far, beating about 1,300 other speakers.
His speech on forgiveness focused on the early death of his mother, and his journey forgiving her for leaving early, he explained.
"Everyone can benefit from forgiveness and has someone they can forgive," he added.
Next up, Thompson will be heading to Washington from August 17 to 20 in hopes of gaining another new title of world champion.