by Gia Loc

Nick Vujicic. Photo thanhnien.com.vn

HCM CITY (VNS) — More than 2,500 people attended a talk by Nick Vujicic, an inspirational speaker without arms and legs, at the White Palace Conference Centre in HCM City's Phu Nhuan District yesterday.

The talk was the first stop on the Australian man's speaking tour of the country. Vujicic's appearance was also broadcast on TV, attracting audiences in the thousands tuning in to a live broadcast on Viet Nam Television's VTV1 and VTV6 channels.

This programme lasted nearly two and a half hours and moved many to tears.

Vujicic said he was surprised at the enthusiastic response he had received from Vietnamese audiences.

"This is the first time I have visited Viet Nam, but it is not the last time," he said.

 

Vujicic's appearance was also broadcast on TV, attracting audiences in the thousands tuning in to a live broadcast on Viet Nam Television's VTV1 and VTV6 channels. Photo thanhnien.com.vn

In the talk, Vujicic said that despite the rare disease that left him with no legs or arms, he always felt happy and loved his life.

"The beautiful thing in my life is the happiness that I receive from helping someone," he said.

Confidence and positive behaviour to life would help overcome difficulties, he said and added that people needed to "love yourself and love each other because we need each other."

He said the value of a person was not in what they could and could not do, as everyone was different.

"We need to know every day is gift," he said. "We have to give thanks for everything we have today."

"Don't give up" was the last message he sent to audiences through his talk. "I love all of you."

Overcoming adversity

On the occasion of Vujicic's visit to Viet Nam, 24 people who have not let their disabilities and illnesses including cancer and HIV prevent them from leading successful lives were honoured in HCM City last night.

Among the 24 people are translator Nguyen Bich Lan, struck by muscular dystrophy when she was a teenager; Nguyen Phi Long, director of Phi Long Sand Pantings in Binh Thuan Province, who suffers from hearing impairment; Nguyen Huong Duong, head of Huong Duong Audio Books Library for the Blind, who lost two legs in an accident when she was 25; and retired teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ky, who uses his legs to do everything because his arms are paralyzed.

Each of these outstanding citizens was awarded a savings book worth VND20 million (US$952) and the Nghi Luc (Energy) Cup.

Ten other people who have set up shelters and sponsored care for disadvantaged children including those who are homeless and infected with HIV, and lonely selderly citizens were also honoured on the occasion.

This morning, Vujicic will host a talk with businesspeople in HCM City and tonight he will have another talk with students in Ha Noi. — VNS