My name is Bill Melhus and I am a 12th grade athlete from Division Avenue High School. I was recently selected to travel as a member of the United States People to People Sports Ambassadors program to Australia. We have been invited to participate in the Kanga Cup, a special tournament for youth soccer teams from throughout the world.

President Dwight Eisenhower initiated People to People in 1956. He believed that if people from different cultures could come together in peace and friendship, so eventually would countries. People to People has grown dramatically since its inception and sent thousands of United States students overseas to achieve an international experience.

Sports Ambassadors are carefully interviewed and evaluated before their acceptance. We are expected to share our overseas experiences with schools and civic clubs when we return. I would like to become a Sports Ambassador because of its balanced athletic and educational value. It will offer me the opportunity to gain additional high school and college credits. It will also allow me to gain a better understanding of how my peers from other countries have benefited and grown from participating in soccer in their native lands.

We will be given the opportunity to compete in the tournament, interact with foreign students the same age, and visit the historical monuments of the host country. We intend to use this opportunity to share our culture in the spirit of competition and in the hope that we can ensure goodwill in future international relationships.

The program tuition is $3,500, including transportation, accommodations and most associated costs. In order to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I need your help. I am requesting sponsorship from individuals and businesses to help alleviate the financial cost.

I am willing to work hard to obtain my goal of traveling to Australia this summer. All checks should be made payable to People to People Ambassador Sports Group.

I thank you in advance for your gracious consideration and support.