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09/19/05 |
              
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HistoryHistoryThe 1st Junior Debate Competition was held in October 2002 in the Botanical Gardens during the Eden Project. It was the brain child of Marisa Sharpe who is the Inspector for Consumer Affairs. She met with Mr. Gladstone Thompson, Principal of Southampton Glebe School, because he was the National Debate Coach for Bermuda's senior debate team who went on to represent Bermuda in the international debates.The Junior Debate Competition was such a success in that first year, that the following year, 2003, the law firm Cox Hallett Wilkinson became co-sponsors of the event. Since than it has continued to build on its reputation and be a success.The competition is designed to give children between the ages of 9 and 12 years, an opportunity to gain confidence , debate about issues that affect the island and make a difference to Bermuda. Letters are sent to all primary and middle schools, inviting the principals to select children to be a junior debater. Forms are sent home to the parents for their permission for the child to become involved. Once the children have been selected, a general meeting is held for the parents of the debaters. It is at this first meeting they learn what is required of the debaters and themselves for preparing for the competition which has been held every October since its inception. The children are put into teams and groups. Training sessions usually start in May and are held every Saturday until July. The parents are encouraged to support the children during their research and to assist them practicing in their teams. During July and August, site visits usually take place depending on what the debate topics are. During the lead-up to the competition, debaters participate in promoting the competition through newspaper, radio and television interviews. The debate occurs on a weekend in October. Saturday is the start of the debates with the preliminary and quarter finals rounds taking place. The semi-final and finals occur on the Sunday. Presentations are made for the following:
All debaters get awards for participation. The teams that reach the quarter and semi-finals are also given award plaques. The winners and second place teams get cups.
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This site was last updated 09/19/05
