WSDC 2008

2008 WSDC Scrapbook Now Available

2008-12-03T10:50:00.000-05:00

The 164 pages of the color scrapbook is now available online for downloading as a pdf. It documents the events in September 2008 as 39 nations at the World Schools Debating Championships gathered, competed, discussed important world issues, made friendships and established networks for the 21st Century.

Right click to download from http://debate.uvm.edu/dcpdf/wsdc08book.pdf

It was my honor to be able to put together the booklet in my role as director of tournament operations. My thanks go to our Convener Phyllis Hirth, Chief Adjudicator Aaron Maniam, Claire Ryan (for photos) and many, many more. Especially the awesome volunteers.

The booklet contains:

An introduction and welcome
An extensive page of photos. My apologies that some were cut between pages, but originals in an uncut form can be found at http://debate.uvm.edu/debateblog/wsdc/Photos.html . The slide show function works very well there.
A page with photos and notes for each team.
Reagan Building thanks (final round venue).
Thanks to sponsors page.
All blog entries from the tournament before and after.

The original website will remain at http://debate.uvm.edu/debateblog/wsdc/Welcome.html but cannot be altered in any way as the root file has been deleted.

The blog that carried the news of WSDC 2008 will remain at http://wsdc2008.blogspot.com/ for the immediate future, but it will be deleted sometime after the February 2009 WSDC in Athens.

Kuwait Schools Debate League Lands a Major Sponsor

2008-10-14T08:06:00.001-04:00

From http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20081008092415/ExxonMobil%20Supports%20the%20Kuwait%20Debate%20League

ExxonMobil Supports the Kuwait Debate League

ExxonMobil Exploration sponsors the Kuwait Debate League's Trip to Washington D.C.
Kuwait - October 8, 2008 - Today, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Kuwait Limited, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation, a global leader in the oil, gas and petrochemicals industry, announced its support of the Kuwait Debate League and their participation in the World Schools' Debating Championship (WSDC) held in Washington D.C. from September 5th - September 15th 2008.

The WSDC is a global competition for high school debaters. The Championships take place each year in a different country, hosted by a national debating body. Recent venues include Sydney, London, Johannesburg, Singapore and Lima. All debates take place in English. Each country can submit a squad of 3-5 students under 19 years of age in full time education in that country to debate social, moral and political issues. Past patrons of the Championships include Tony Blair and Nelson Mandela.

ExxonMobil believes in investing in the communities in which it works. This is not only a key corporate pillar but it is part of a larger commitment to be an active corporate citizen and a good global neighbor. "In the Middle East, and in the Gulf region in particular, we have concentrated on actively contributing to education, health and community programs," commented John Hoholick, President of ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Kuwait Limited. "When we were approached by the British School of Kuwait, which also acts as the agent for WSDC, to sponsor a member of their debate league we were happy to learn more about their initiatives. After meeting Ascia Al-Farraj, captain of the Kuwait Schools' Debating League (KSDL) and Emma Bowie Director of KSDL we saw their commitment to the league and we knew that this was an important project to support."

"During our stay in Washington D.C., we were involved in probably the most intense and competitive school event in the world. At this year's competition 41 teams have registered for the 2008 WSDC. As well as competing against other nations, the KSDL represented their country at several official functions where they were called upon to meet with ambassadors and other dignitaries. The whole experience was an unforgettable one for the team. It truly is a life-changing event, and I would like to thank ExxonMobil for the generosity that they have shown in support of our team." commented Emma Bowie, Director of the Kuwait Schools' Debating Championship. "It's safe to say that our team did an excellent job, and I hope we get more students to join us in the future."

ExxonMobil has a long history of supporting and improving educational programs. In all countries, basic education is necessary to spur development and economic growth. In 2007, ExxonMobil directed more than $70 million to education worldwide.

WSDC Recignized by World Trade Centers Globally

2008-10-03T19:20:00.000-04:00

Students from England and New Zealand at final debating competition hosted by WTC-DC

From http://world.wtca.org/portal/site/wtcaonline/template.MAXIMIZE/menuitem.123e0d353e56e5d80d6665b631208a0c/?javax.portlet.tpst=072f2c5fd18c843efe8326fbbd8ec13e_ws_MX&javax.portlet.prp_072f2c5fd18c843efe8326fbbd8ec13e_viewID=epiproxybanner&javax.portlet.prp_072f2c5fd18c843efe8326fbbd8ec13e_epiproxyrealurl=http%3A%2F%2Fworld.wtca.org%2Fnews%2Fcurrent%2Fpage7.shtml&javax.portlet.prp_072f2c5fd18c843efe8326fbbd8ec13e_epiproxymethod=get&beanID=1028340186&viewID=epiproxybanner&javax.portlet.begCacheTok=token&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=token

WTC-DC hosts world class debating competition
High school students from 39 nations participate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – WTC-DC, the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, sponsored the final round of the 2008 World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) September 15, an event that featured talented high school-aged scholars from 39 nations. The final debate, which examined a possible expansion of UN Security Council membership, culminated the ten-day tournament in dramatic fashion with Team England narrowly edging out Team New Zealand to claim top honors.
The WSDC was founded in 1988 as a vehicle for youth to engage in meaningful dialogue. Each year the championships are held in a different international city hosted by a national debating body. Recent venues have included Sydney, Johannesburg, Singapore, and Lima. In recent years, the WSDC has held its closing sessions in the Israeli Knesset, the English Parliament and Australia’s Old Parliament House. This year, student delegations from Argentina to Zimbabwe flocked to Washington, D.C. to learn about American culture first-hand and to benefit from the unique perspectives and world views of their fellow competitors.

India Attends WSDC for First Time

2008-10-03T19:19:00.000-04:00

From http://www.indiaedunews.net/International/India%5Fenters%5FWorld%5FSchools%5FDebating%5FChampionships%5F5932/

India enters World Schools Debating Championships
September 08, 2008
New Delhi: Five students from recognized schools in Chennai will represent India for the first time ever in the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) to be held in Washington DC, USA from September 5 - 15, 2008.

Started as a unique training session by Ramco Systems, the selected students for the first time will make India proud and stand up on the debating stage.

39 countries will be participating in the internationally acclaimed 2008 WSDC.

S. Pranav Kumar (Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Sr. Sec. School, K.K. Nagar, Std. IX), Sithara Rasheed (Sri Sankara Sr. Sec. School, Adyar, Std. XI), Rajalakshmi Natarajan (Sri Sankara Sr. Sec. School, Adyar, Std. XI), Shreya Murali (Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Sr. Sec. School, Nungambakkam, Std. IX) and Amrithavarshini (Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Sr. Sec. School, Nungambakkam, Std. IX) will represent the Indian team.

India's first debate will be against Slovakia, followed by Bermuda, Pakistan, Australia, Mexico, Japan, USA and South Korea.

Coached by Andrew Fitch, a renowned debater from the English Speaking Union, UK and managed by Ms. Padmini, Principal - Arsha Vidya Mandir the five students have had series of training modules preparing them for the championship.

Ramco Systems will sponsor the entire visit of the students and coaches.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. P.R. Venketrama Raja Vice Chairman, Managing Director & CEO, Ramco Systems said, "Events like these provide students an excellent opportunity to go international and interact with the best coaches and students from other prestigious schools. Ramco Systems is proud to sponsor this historic event for the first time in India which is aimed to give a wonderful platform for students to debate. Structure Debating helps our children to think logically and put forward their point of view with grace and elegance. Our children are our future and we need to put in our efforts for our country's better tomorrow".

Coach Andrew Fitch, English Speaking Union added, "Its going to be a real challenge for the team but our team is all geared up and I think the sky is the limit for them."

39 teams have registered for the 2008 WSDC in Washington DC. Few of the participating countries are Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Czech Republic, England, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, United States, Zimbabwe etc.

The World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) is a global competition for high school debaters. The Championships take place each year in a different country, hosted by a national debating body.

Recent venues include Sydney, London, Johannesburg, Singapore, Lima and in 2006 Cardiff, Wales.

All Debates take place in English. Each country can submit a squad of 3-5 students under 19 in full time education in that country to debate social, moral and political issues. Post patrons of the championships include Tony Blair and Nelson Mandela.

The aims of the World Schools Debating Champions are to achieve excellence in debating, to encourage debating throughout the world, to promote international understanding and free speech.

Last Call for Changes to WSDC 2008 Scrapbook

2008-09-29T14:26:00.002-04:00

The scrapbook is at http://debate.uvm.edu/debateblog/wsdc/Welcome.html

Please suggest changes by the 15th of October, and at that point it will go to pdf and the website will be frozen.

Pictures, spelling errors, more and/or better text, all suggestions are welcomed.

Email to alfred.snider@uvm.edu

Video of Grand Final WSDC 2008

2008-09-22T11:03:00.001-04:00

This House would expand the permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

New Zealand proposes, England opposes. 5-4 decision for England.

J. Scott Wunn of the USA National Forensic League serves as chair.

Quarterfinal - Scotland vs. Canada

2008-09-21T11:58:00.002-04:00

This House regrets holding the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Scotland defeated Canada 4-1 in this quarterfinal match at the World Schools Debating Championships 2008 held in Washington DC in September.

Tab Error - Filip Dobranic of Slovenia is EFL Top Speaker

2008-09-21T08:52:00.004-04:00

From CA Aaron Maniam:

We've checked the tab and it is now official that Filip is the top EFL speaker (ranked 43rd overall). There was indeed a software error so while the round 4 scores were included in the team total, they did not get reflected in the individual tab. I'll do my best to work with future adjudication teams to rectify this glitch on future tabs.

Claire will be sending the revised rankings to all the team managers for their info.

Tuna - would it be possible for you to please do up a certificate for Filip, on his new top speaker status, and convey this through Bojana?

Bojana - this was a tabbing error for which I deeply apologise. I would like to get Filip a new award, that he can keep as a reminder of his achievement. I can do this from Singapore and mail it to you. Could you let me know the best address to send the parcel to?

Thanks everyone for your patience,

Aaron

Team Qatar Proud of Performance

2008-09-21T08:13:00.001-04:00

From http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/printArticle.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=242844&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Team Qatar sets world record at international debate contest
Publish Date: Sunday,21 September, 2008, at 01:33 AM Doha Time

Just and the team members talking to the media yesterday
By Ourouba Hussein
THE first Qatar National Debate team set a new world record for a team making its debut at the World Schools Championship by coming 19th at the international event that concluded in Washington DC, recently.
Senior instructor and programme manager Alex Just told reporters that the five-student Qatari team won four of their eight debates, and finished 19th in the 2008 World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC), ahead of teams from established debating countries like Kuwait, India, Germany, Japan and the USA.
“Team Qatar won preliminary debates against high school debaters from Botswana, Japan, Zimbabwe and Montenegro, which is a new world record for a team making its debut at the tournament,” he explained.
Qatari member of the group Talal Burshaid speaking about the competitions, said the team had four prepared debates and four extempore ones. ‘Delivering emergency aid in any humanitarian crisis’ was the first prepared topic which the Qatar team won against the Botswana team.
The Qatar team debated against team England in the second prepared topic, which was about scientific research.
“It was a close debate. England won the 2008 WSDC, but the members of the winning team said one of their hardest debates was the one they ran against Qatar,” he said.
Just pointed out that team England had five-and-a-half years of debating experience, while the Qatar team had started practicing some 10 months ago.
He said that the Qatari team competed in two debates against each of A, B, C and D teams, and recorded their best performances against the A teams. “That made the judges say that the Qatar team has done very well.”
The five students said they have learnt a lot from the trip and debates.
Burshaid said he learned not to underestimate or overestimate rival teams, but to just give his best.
Fatima Hijran spoke about gaining more knowledge related to business, ethics and science.
Tina Niaki cited her gains as exchanging of ideas and acquiring more knowledge.
All the team members agreed that taking part in WSDC made them learn how to defend their position, form their own opinions and respect others’ opinions.
The team members described the competition ambience as funny and enjoyable and declared their willingness to participate in the next WSDC which will be held next year in Greece, if they win the selection process in Qatar.

WSDC Semifinal Debate Now Online - New Zealand vs. Scotland

2008-09-20T10:18:00.000-04:00

New Zealand proposition, Scotland opposition.

This House would drop all US sanctions on Cuba. Semifinal round at WSDC 2008 in Washington DC USA. The debate was won by New Zealand 7-0.

Official Team Results from WSDC 2008

2008-09-19T09:57:00.002-04:00

From Chief Adjusicator AARON MANIAM:

Final Ranking Prelim Ranking Prelim Wins Prelim Judges Points
1 England 3 8 21 6169.5
2 New Zealand 1 8 23 6237
3 Greece 10 6 18 6091.5
4 Scotland 12 5 15 6144.5
5 South Africa 2 8 22 6147.5
6 Canada 4 7 21 6160
7 Israel 6 7 19 6075
8 Ireland 9 6 18 6172
9 Pakistan 5 7 19 6116.5
10 Singapore 7 6 19 6138
11 Australia 8 6 18 6196.5
12 Slovenia 11 6 16 5981
13 South Korea 13 5 15 6028.5
14 Wales 14 5 14 6044
15 Hong Kong 15 5 14 6035.5
16 Netherlands 16 5 14 5917.5
17 Argentina 17 5 13 5853.5
18 Sri Lanka 18 4 12 5999.5
19 Qatar 19 4 12 5882.5
20 Slovakia 20 4 10 5756
21 Bangladesh 21 4 9 5990.5
22 Peru 22 3 11 5982.5
23 Kuwait 23 3 11 5851.5
24 Botswana 24 3 10 5879.5
25 Germany 25 3 9 5965.5
26 USA 26 3 9 5935
27 Mexico 27 3 9 5793
28 Czech Republic 28 3 6 5747
29 India 29 2 10 5795.5
30 Montenegro 30 2 7 5813.5
31 Zimbabwe Swing Team 31 2 7 5713
32 Philippines 32 2 6 5970
33 Estonia 33 2 6 5858.5
34 Indonesia 34 2 6 5857.5
35 Lithuania 35 1 8 5930
36 Bermuda 36 1 7 5878
37 Romania 37 0 4 5779.5
38 Mongolia 38 0 0 5556.5
39 Japan 39 0 0 5465.5

WSDC Scrapbook Almost Done

2008-09-18T07:38:00.001-04:00

See it at http://debate.uvm.edu/debateblog/wsdc/Welcome.html

Please check your page and pictures. It is not too late to send me either a new photo or your write-up. I want to fiond some errors, because I know they are there.

I am still looking for photos of:

Break Night Party
9/11 Memorial
England holding their trophy.

Other photos you might feel are of interest. Just attach them to an email and send them along.

More to come.

Video - Slovenia vs. USA on NATO Membership for Georgia

2008-09-17T10:02:00.002-04:00

This was a special round that had to be made up when round four for these two teams could not take place because of an accident. This was held after round eight. Slovenia won the debate 3-0.

This House would admit Georgia into NATO.

The Road to the 2008 Championship

2008-09-16T14:59:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Colm Flynn for the octas bracket design.

Prelim Records from WSDC 2008

2008-09-16T09:53:00.000-04:00

Here are the prelim records from WSDC 2008 in Washington.

Country Wins Judges Points
1 New Zealand 8 23 6237
2 South Africa 8 22 6147.5
3 England 8 21 6169.5
4 Canada 7 21 6160
5 Pakistan 7 19 6116.5
6 Israel 7 19 6075
7 Singapore 6 19 6138
8 Australia 6 18 6196.5
9 Ireland 6 18 6172
10 Greece 6 18 6091.5
11 Slovenia 6 16 5981
12 Scotland 5 15 6144.5
13 South Korea 5 15 6028.5
14 Wales 5 14 6044
15 Hong Kong 5 14 6035.5
16 Netherlands 5 14 5917.5
17 Argentina 5 13 5853.5
18 Sri Lanka 4 12 5999.5
19 Qatar 4 12 5882.5
20 Slovakia 4 10 5756
21 Bangladesh 4 9 5990.5
22 Peru 3 11 5982.5
23 Kuwait 3 11 5851.5
24 Botswana 3 10 5879.5
25 Germany 3 9 5965.5
26 USA 3 9 5935
27 Mexico 3 9 5793
28 Czech Republic 3 6 5747
29 India 2 10 5795.5
30 Montenegro 2 7 5813.5
31 Swing 2 7 5713
32 Philippines 2 6 5970
33 Estonia 2 6 5858.5
34 Indonesia 2 6 5857.5
35 Lithuania 1 8 5930
36 Bermuda 1 7 5878
37 Romania 0 4 5779.5
38 Mongolia 0 0 5556.5
39 Japan 0 0 5465.5

England Wins WSDC 2008

2008-09-15T07:01:00.002-04:00

On a 5-4 decision England in opposition has defeated New Zealand in the grand finale at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington DC USA.

The motion was
This House would expand the number of permanent members of the UN security council.

More details coming, along with full slate of awards and lots of photos.

Videos will also be coming soon along with a few surprises.

New Zealand meets England in Finals

2008-09-13T22:01:00.004-04:00

In the semifinals at the World Schools Debating Championship in Washington DC USA, the results are:

New Zealand 7-0 over Scotland
England 5-2 over Greece

The final is tomorrow afternoon at the Reagan Center.

The motion was: This House would have the United States lift economic sanctions on Cuba.

The Bracket

2008-09-12T17:19:00.002-04:00

Quarterfinal Results from Washington

2008-09-12T17:08:00.003-04:00

New Zealand charges ahead
Scotland, England with comfortable wins
Greece Squeaks into semifinals

This House regrets holding the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

New Zealand defeats Ireland 4-1
Scotland defeats Canada 4-1
England defeats Israel 4-1
Greece defeats South Africa 3-2

Semifinals will feature:

1. New Zealand vs. 12. Scotland
3. England vs. 10. Greece

The round will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at 8 PM.

Quarterfinal Matches Coming Up This Afternoon

2008-09-12T13:53:00.005-04:00

But what would the headlines be?

How about:
2007 Finalist Singapore is out of the competition
England, Canada squeak through on 3-2 decisions
Lower seeds advance -- Greece 10, Scotland 12, Ireland 9
New Zealand wins 5-0, now 9-0 for the competition

There is a lunch break now and we will be back with the results of the quarterfinals later today.

Octafinal Results

2008-09-12T13:41:00.004-04:00

Read over the phone by Aaron Maniam, Chief Adjudicator:

THBT heads of government should be required to have a parliamentary majority in order to govern.

New Zealand defeats the Netherlands 5-0
Ireland defeats Australia 4-1
Canada defeats South Korea 3-2
Scotland defeats Pakistan 4-1
England defeats Wales 3-2
Israel defeats Slovenia 5-0
South Africa defeats Hong Kong 3-2
Greece defeats Singapore 3-2

A new bracket will be coming soon.

Preview of the Final Round Venue

2008-09-12T11:51:00.004-04:00

See a 360 degree look at the room we will be using, the Atrium Hall, before set-up at
http://www.itcdc.com/view_event.php?r=4&v=5

The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center is owned and operated by the U.S. General Services Administration. It represents the collaborative efforts of the U.S. Government, educational institutions, trade associations, and the private sector to provide a world-class forum and unlimited resources for international business development. Our mission is to promote opportunities for global trade, commerce, communications, and international cultural exchange.
In addition, the International Trade Center serves as the official World Trade Center Washington, DC, as designated by the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)—one of the world’s leading international organizations supporting international business. The not-for-profit and non-political WTCA comprises over 300 World Trade Centers in nearly 100 countries.

WSDC 2008 Scrapbook is Taking Shape

2008-09-12T10:04:00.003-04:00

As we construct the WSDC 2008 scrapbook we will be posting it so that people can find errors, help identify photos and to see who has turned in their photos and bios and who has not.

We are already learning a lot. For example, we now know the difference between a kimono and a hanbok and will make that change. Some teams have found grammatical and spelling errors in their bios and we will be fixing that.

We also need photos from the break night party and the 9/11 memorial. Feel free to send thm to the editor listed below. ANy and all photos are welcome.

If you are still not in the book, email information and photos to
alfred.snider@uvm.edu .

See the current version at http://debate.uvm.edu/debateblog/wsdc/Welcome.html

Octas & Quarters Results Coming Today

2008-09-12T09:59:00.003-04:00

We hope to have octas and quarters results moments after they are received by the tab out at UDC.

Check back for them.

The Road to 2008 World Championship

2008-09-11T16:40:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Colm Flynn of http://worlddebating.blogspot.com/

Friday - Octas & Quarters at Univ. of DC

2008-09-11T16:37:00.003-04:00

FRIDAY AT UNIVERSITY OF DC

Leave from lobby at 9 AM

Transfer at Metro Center, take RED Line car marked “Shady Grove”
Get off at UDC/Van Ness stop.
As we leave the UDC/Van Ness metro stop there will be a student there with a large red umbrella who will direct people. We will make one turn at another red umbrella, then walk into the auditorium building, which is 46 East first floor auditorium.

In auditorium by 10 AM
Pairings and motions at 10:30 AM
11:30 AM-12:30 PM Octafinals
12:30-1 PM Adjudication and feedback

Lunch 1-2 PM

Announce quarterfinals 2 PM
Quarterfinals start by 3:15 PM
4:15-5 PM Adjudication and feedback
5 PM leave UDC

Video Coverage for Hong Kong-Lithuania Debate

2008-09-11T16:27:00.004-04:00

Some members of Team Hong Kong

See the video at
http://media.hometownannapolis.com/flash/080910debate.html

Thanks to Shannon Lee Zirkle
Multimedia and Video Producer
Capital Gazette Communications, Inc.
2000 Capital Drive, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
443-482-3131/ szirkle@capitalgazette.com

2008 WSDC Break

2008-09-10T21:31:00.003-04:00

Unofficial results read over the phone.

From Washington DC USA here is the break as announced by our convener Phyllis Hirth at The Sports Bar in Crystal City:

PLACE COUNTRY WINS BALLOTS
1. New Zealand 8-23
2 South Africa 8-22
3 England 8 21
4 Canada 7 21
5 Pakistan 7 19
6 Israel 7 19
7 Singapore 6 19
8 Australia 6 18
9 Ireland 6 18
10 Greece 6 18
11 Slovenia 6 16
12 Scotland 5 15
13 South Korea 5 15
14 Wales 5 14
15 Hong Kong 5 14
16 Netherlands 5 14

Break Coming Tonight!

2008-09-10T20:07:00.002-04:00

The tab room is compiling the results now.

In a make-up round Slovenia is prop and USA is opp on the motion:
This House would admit Georgia to NATO.

After the debate these results will be factored in (both teams are fighting for a slot in the break rounds) and the announcement will be made at the break party at the SPORTS BAR very close to the hotel.

Check back for the latest. We will post the break minutes after it is available.

Tuesday's Country Exhibition Meant Lots of Fun!

2008-09-10T12:53:00.006-04:00

The WSDC 2008 Country Exhibition was held Tuesday evening in the hotel and was an unqualified success. Thirty-two countries exhibited their culture, history, geography, music, interests, flags, fashions and a whole lot more. Friendships were made and others solidified.

Students, judges and coaches were invited to come and share their culture. The call for the event was:

In order to facilitate the sharing of cultures and histories that is such an important part of the World Schools Debating Championship the tournament will be sponsoring a “Country Exhibition.”

The idea is for each delegation to bring some items from their country to share with others. Each country will be given a table for their display, and all tournament attendees will be invited to stroll around the room and see as well as share. People can alternate between being at their country tables as well as strolling around and visiting the tables of other countries.
You should consider bringing flags, pictures, objects, handicrafts and whatever else you think tells the story of your country. People are invited to come in their national dress as well as bring music and perhaps even feel free to dance. Please include information about debating in your country. Bring things that open the possibilities of sharing, telling stories and communicating what life is like in your country. Of course, the most important thing that you can bring to the country exhibition is you, a living representative of your country.

The fun was had and the cultures mingled at the event. Everyone had a great time and it was a high point of the WSDC 2oo8.

Photos of the event can be seen at:
http://debate.uvm.edu/debateblog/wsdc/Photos.html
We suggest you play the slide show to see the fun.

Bickel & Brewer Foundation Holds Reception

2008-09-10T12:24:00.003-04:00

Kit Sawers of NPPF (left) and James Probert of the English-Speaking Union

The Bickel and Brewer Foundation hosted a wonderful reception at WSDC 2008 on Monday night. The purposes were to congratulate all the students and coaches on their achievements and to inform them that the National Public Policy Forum debate contest has now been opened to high schools students from every country in the world. The contest features written debates followed by oral debates later on. There are large cash prizes and trips to New York City available. The context is sponsored by the Bickel and Brewer Foundation in association with New York University, the National Forensic League and the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues. The international segment is also being implemented with the assistance of the International Debate Education Association, the English-Speaking Union and the World Debate Institute at the University of Vermont.

Snacks were served along with soft drinks to students along with beer and wine to adults. At the end of a long day of competition the students, coaches and judges were ready to socialize and share their stories, listened to Kit Sawers' presentation and then asked her many questions privately about the contest.

The website for the event is at http://nppf.net/

Here is some information from the website:

The National Public Policy Forum (NPPF) is the only national contest that gives high school students the opportunity to participate in written and oral debates on issues of public policy. Founded in 2001 by the Bickel & Brewer law firm, the NPPF is designed to supplement the research and oral advocacy skills developed in policy debate with another – that of written advocacy.

Jointly administered by the Bickel & Brewer Foundation and New York University, the NPPF has grown exponentially since its inception. Hundreds of high school students participate each year, competing for more than $30,000 in awards and scholarships, an all-expense-paid trip to New York City and the “Bickel & Brewer Cup.”

New for the 2008-2009 competition, NPPF now invites schools from around the world to compete. All teams, regardless of their origin, are considered alike; simply follow the same, easy instructions on the “Contest Rules” page.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUALIFYING ROUND

How is the Qualifying Round judged?
Members of the NYU debate team will read each paper and rank it accordingly based on this form: Judge's Ballot. Papers that receive the highest overall scores will advance to the Elimination Rounds of competition.

What makes a good Qualifying Round essay?
There is no specific way to write a great qualifying round essay, but here are some successful essays from last year: Team A Team B

How do I confirm that my entry has been received for the Qualifying Round?
After submitting the paper to sem@bickelbrewer.com, you will receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours.

GENERAL

Is this tournament more like public forum or policy debate?
The NPPF is unlike any other form of debate. While the NPPF bases its topic on the current NFL Policy/Team Debate topic, it welcomes debaters from across the spectrum of debate and forensic events. Thus, the competition is judged on factors including, but not limited to, well-founded arguments, effective communication and grammar.

Is a school required to have a debate program or team in order to compete?
No, the NPPF is open to all high schools, whether an actual debate team exists or not. Participants and teachers might want to consider making the NPPF a class project. In the past, we have had people from many different events (student congress, Lincoln-Douglas debate, etc.) make it to the Finals in New York.

Is there a maximum team size?
No, however, each team member listed must have contributed to the essay. Once teams reach the final rounds in New York, only three students and two coaches per school will receive an all-expense-paid trip from the NPPF. Traveling team members must be on the team roster and must have participated in the previous rounds of written work. For further details, please review the Contest Guidelines.

My school has a large debate team. Can multiple teams from a school enter the contest?
No, only one entry is allowed per school.

What happens when a submitted essay exceeds the word limit?
The Affirmative/Negative Constructive papers should be no more than 2,800 words, not counting the title page or the works-cited pages.

Affirmative Rebuttal papers should be no more than 1,700 words, not counting the title page or the works-cited pages. Negative Rebuttal papers should be no more than 1,400 words, not counting the title page or the works-cited pages. (We will use the Microsoft Word counting
tool.) Any text over the word limit will be deleted before arguments are sent to the judges.

How and when do teams find out if they have made it to the Elimination and Final Rounds?
All teams who advance to the Elimination and Final Rounds will be notified via e-mail. The schools that make it to the initial Elimination Round will be notified Wednesday, November 5, 2008; the Elite Eight participants will be notified on Wednesday, January 7, 2009; and the Final Four participants will be notified on Wednesday, March 4, 2009.

Debate arguments are continually evolving. What happens if a major event requires updates and/or changes to the argument once the essays are submitted?
Debate teams are allowed to update any evidence utilized throughout the Elimination and Final Rounds, as long as the argument remains the same. For specific questions about any needed changes, e-mail the contest director at krs@bickelbrewer.com.

Does the NPPF have any affiliations with the NFL?
Yes, Scott Wunn (Executive Director, NFL) and Scott Deatherage (Executive Director, NAUDL) are both members of our Advisory Board. In addition, the NPPF is a sponsor of both the NFL and the NAUDL.

If you still have questions, just e-mail krs@bickelbrewer.com!

NPPF Advisory Board

Will Baker
Director of Debate
New York University

William A. Brewer III
Partner
Bickel & Brewer

Jim Copeland
Secretary Emeritus
National Forensic League

Jenny Heidt
Debate Coach
Westminster Schools

Dave Huston
Debate Coach
Colleyville Heritage High School

John Sexton
President
New York University

Alfred “Tuna” Snider
Professor of Forensics
University of Vermont

Melissa Maxcy Wade
Director of Forensics
Emory University

Scott Deatherage
Executive Director
National Association for Urban Debate Leagues

Scott Wunn
Executive Director
National Forensic League

Standings After Four Rounds

2008-09-09T10:12:00.002-04:00

Loading buses in the morning

See individual results at http://debate.uvm.edu/wsdc08results.html

FOUR WINS
Australia
Canada
England
Ireland
New Zealand
Pakistan
Singapore
South Africa

THREE WINS
Argentina
Bangladesh
Israel
Peru
Scotland
Slovakia
Wales

TWO WINS
Botswana
Czech Republic
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Mexico
Netherlands
Sri Lanka
South Korea
Qatar

ONE WIN
Bermuda
Kuwait
Lithuania
Montenegro
Philippines
Slovenia

ZERO WINS
The rest of the pack, and good luck to them!

Rounds 3 & 4 Results

2008-09-09T09:21:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Claire Ryan for these results.

Rounds 3 and 4

Round 3 Prepared Debate

This house would ban the use of unethically obtained data in scientific research.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM

South Africa 3 Japan 0

Singapore 3 Montenegro 0

Canada 3 Mongolia 0

England 3 Qatar 0

New Zealand 3 Bangladesh 0

Slovakia 0 Ireland 3

South Korea 3 Estonia 0

Argentina 2 Indonesia 1

Peru 0 Kuwait 3

Bermuda 0 Greece 3

Israel 3 Romania 0

Mexico 1 Scotland 2

Swing 0 Hong Kong 3

India 1 Pakistan 2

Botswana 0 Australia 3

Czech Republic 0 Slovenia 3

USA 1 Germany 2

Wales 2 Netherlands 1

Lithuania 1 Philippines 2

Bye: Sri Lanka

Round 4

Impromptu motion:
This house believes that humanities courses should be part of every
undergraduate programme.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM

Japan 0 New Zealand 3

Montenegro 0 England 3

Indonesia 0 Peru 3

Sri Lanka 0 Canada 3

Kuwait 1 Slovakia 2

Bangladesh 0 South Africa 3

Estonia 1 Israel 2

Qatar 0 Singapore 3

Greece 2 South Korea 1

Romania 1 Argentina 2

Ireland 3 Bermuda 0

Hong Kong 1 Mexico 2

Scotland 3 Swing 0

Australia 3 India 0

Pakistan 3 Botswana 0

Slovenia USA (postponed)

Germany 1 Czech Republic 2

Netherlands 0 Lithuania 3

Philippines 0 Wales 3

Round One & Two Results

2008-09-07T22:37:00.004-04:00

WINNING TEAMS ARE MARKED IN BOLD WITH BALLOTS NEXT TO THEM

ROUND ONE

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Israel South Africa 2-1 GMU
Philippines Singapore 3-0 GMU
Romania Hong Kong 3-0 GMU
Slovenia England 2-1 GMU
Greece New Zealand 2-1 GMU
Bermuda Slovakia 2-1 GMU
Scotland 2-1 South Korea GMU
Czech Republic Argentina 3-0 GMU
Mongolia Peru 3-0 GMU
Pakistan 3-0 Wales GMU
Sri Lanka 3-0 Lithuania GMU
Canada 3-0 USA GMU
Japan Montenegro 3-0 GMU
Qatar 2-1 Botswana GMU
Netherlands 2-1 Mexico GMU
Bangladesh 2-1 Zimbabwe GMU
Indonesia Ireland 3-0 GMU
Estonia Australia 3-0 GMU
Germany 3-0 Kuwait GMU

Bye: India

Round 2 – Impromptu Debate – SUNDAY PM

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

South Africa 3-0 USA GMU
Singapore 3-0 Slovenia GMU
Canada 2-1 Greece GMU
England 2-1 Hong Kong GMU
New Zealand 3-0 Estonia GMU
Montenegro Netherlands 3-0 GMU
South Korea 2-1 Romania GMU
Argentina Pakistan 3-0 GMU
Peru Sri Lanka 2-1 GMU
India Bermuda 3-0 GMU
Israel 2-1 Scotland GMU
Wales 3-0 Germany GMU
Lithuania Bangladesh 2-1 GMU
Kuwait Czech Republic 2-1 GMU
Zimbabwe Botswana 3-0 GMU
Mexico 3-0 Mongolia GMU
Japan Qatar 3-0 GMU
Australia 3-0 Indonesia GMU
Ireland 2-1 Philippines GMU

Bye: Slovakia

Adjudication Briefing Parts One & Two

2008-09-07T15:33:00.001-04:00

Part One is a briefing by Aaron Maniam, chief adjudicator, and part two is a discussion for newer judges. From WSDC 2008 in Washington. Thanks to Steve Llano of St. John's University for filming these.

Opening Banquet a Stirring Affair

2008-09-07T10:02:00.009-04:00

Convener Phyllis Hirth

Some of what happened at the opening banquet at WSDC 2008 was to be expected. The fellowship was hearty and genuine and the food was excellent. We were warmly welcomed by convener Phyllis Hirth and executive Chris Erskine. But there were surprises in store for all.

Michelle Rhee was one of those surprises. She is the chancellor of the DC Public Schools system. She gave a remarkable speech in that she acknowledged that she led one of the worst school systems in the nation and faces huge challenges, but she noted that her first priority was improving teacher quality in the system. She talked about the bad conditions in DC schools and acknowledged that ceilings were literally falling in. She acknowledged that she was in the presence of many future world leaders and asked them to remember that a quality education with quality teachers has to be the foundation of national and community development. Her remarks were unscripted but excellent, and she showed outstanding public speaking ability. An incredibly busy person, she had delayed picking up her two young children so that she could be the keynote speaker at WSDC 2008.

Here is her bio:

Chancellor Michelle Rhee was appointed by Mayor Adrian Fenty June 12, 2007. She leads D.C. Public Schools, a district numbering 50,000 students and 144 schools. In the Mayor’s search for a change agent for schools in the District, experts in education recommended Ms. Rhee, who had already transformed many urban public school systems through her work with The New Teacher Project (TNTP). Chancellor Joel Klein, whose work in New York City’s public schools is a model for effective change, said of her appointment that it was “the choice D.C. needs, given that, year in and year out, they have not gotten results.” Results drive the Chancellor every day. Whether she is developing effective measurements to track student achievement and teacher quality; talking with principals and teachers in one-on-one meetings; developing new measures to hold herself and staff accountable for their roles in student achievement; traveling throughout the community to engage parents and other stakeholders in our schools; establishing partnerships with neighborhood organizations; meeting with business leaders as she transforms a broken organizational structure into one that works for students and families; or ensuring that needed repairs are completed to create physical learning environments serve students, Chancellor Rhee’s vision rests on results.

She had these results in mind when she founded The New Teacher Project (TNTP) in 1997, and it is now a nationally recognized leader in understanding and developing innovative solutions to the challenges of new teacher hiring. As Chief Executive Officer and President, she partnered with school districts, state education agencies, non-profit organizations, and unions, to transform the way schools and other organizations recruit, select, and train highly qualified teachers in difficult-to-staff schools. Her work implemented widespread reform in teacher hiring, improving teacher hiring in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Miami, New York, Oakland, and Philadelphia. Thanks to TNTP, 23,000 new, high-quality teachers were placed in these schools across the country.

Ms. Rhee’s commitment to excellence in education began in a Baltimore classroom in 1992, as a Teach-for-America teacher. The lesson she learned at Harlem Park Community School informs her mission today: with the right teacher, students in urban classrooms can meet teachers’ high expectations for achievement, and the driving force behind that achievement is the quality of the Educator who works inside it.

Chancellor Rhee currently serves on the Advisory Boards for the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ); the National Center for Alternative Certification (NCAC); Project REACH of the University of Phoenix’s School of Education. She is an Ex-Officio Member of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees. Chancellor Rhee’s expertise on education is also informed by a Bachelor’s degree in Government from Cornell University, and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

The next big surprise was the appearance of a group from the Piscataway nation to represent and communicate about the native people of America. While our convener Phyllis Hirth is proud to be very pro-American and a patriot, she made sure that world guests were greeted and educated by the original people of this land. They talked about their culture and language, about remaining in balance with the land and the animals and also about community, conflict and celebration. The indigenous music, dances and stories of this land were shared with the audience.

Symbolic dances were performed and songs were sung. A good portion of the crowd was engaged in the snake dance as well as the war dance. The war dance was introduced as one of the ways that native peoples solved their conflicts, with the other being a long game of stick ball, but that formal war was rarely engaged in. I am sure many of us will remember the stirring rendition of the war dance given by one of the Mongolian debaters after a bit of training. Watch out opponents! Hopefully someday we can replace wars with stick ball games, or perhaps debates!

Results from Round Zero

2008-09-07T10:00:00.002-04:00

Botswana over Japan 3-0
Slovakia over India 2-1
Sri Lanka over Mongolia 3-0
Bangladesh over Qatar 2-1

Tropical Storm Hanna at WSDC

2008-09-06T14:30:00.003-04:00

Hurricane Hanna had become a tropical storm by the time it hit Washington, DC, but it still had an influence on things.

The day trips to Washington had to be canceled and there were some fun activities scheduled for them, and they seemed to be having a lot of good times. I did drive out to buy some tournament supplies and I can assure you that when Phyllis urged people to stay indoors it was a good piece of advice. The drive was perilous and visibility was very difficulty. I got back to the hotel and decided that I would, indeed, stay indoors for the rest of the day. The forecasts indicated as much as 5-7 inches of rain this afternoon.

Outside my window it was coming down as sheets of rain.

Round Zero Motion

2008-09-06T14:10:00.006-04:00

Team Bangladesh before Round Zero. they debated....

Team Qatar, seen just before Round Zero

Round Zero is the round held before the tournament in which all of the teams who receive byes debate each other.

The motion: this House would ban government funding from being given to faith based initiatives.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE
Botswana Japan Hotel Potomoc 1
Slovakia India Hotel Potomoc 2
Mongolia Sri Lanka Hotel Potomoc 3
Qatar Bangladesh Hotel Potomoc 4

Results coming later today.

Registration Underway, Zimbabwe Drops

2008-09-05T18:13:00.003-04:00

Geetha and Jana pose with CA Aaron at the registration desk

Registration is underway and the global schools community is greeting, hugging, exchanging stories and even buying a drink or two. The hotel is truly beautiful and the rooms are excellent.

Zimbabwe dropped their team, which is creating some challenges for Aaron Maniam. If there is a swing team in the area, now would be a good time for them to call Tuna at 802-238-8345.

Today is the day for a number of friendly matches as teams try and get in some last practices. The theory seems to be find someone who is on the opposite side of one of the prepared motions and debate against them. BUT, coaches have told me that they want to debate against teams who WILL NOT disclose the arguments made to the team they will actually be debating. There is a strategy to even a friendly practice debate.

WSDC 2008 Blog - The World Tunes In

2008-09-05T17:55:00.002-04:00

As of 5:50 PM Washington time:

United States [35%]
United Kingdom [11%]
Slovenia [6%]
Canada [4%]
Netherlands [3%]
South Korea [3%]
Argentina [3%]
Japan [2%]
Kuwait [2%]
Czech Republic [2%]
Indonesia [2%]
South Africa [2%]
Germany [2%]
Pakistan [2%]
Israel [2%]
Hong Kong S.A.R., China [1%]
Qatar [1%]
European Union [1%]
Peru [1%]
Egypt [1%]
Cyprus [1%]
Australia [1%]
Ireland [1%]
Estonia [1%]
Macedonia [1%]
Greece [1%]
Bermuda [1%]
Lithuania [1%]
Singapore [1%]
India [1%]
Mexico [1%]
Slovakia [1%]
New Zealand [1%]
Bangladesh [1%]

Live Blogging from WSDC 2008 Washington

2008-09-05T04:49:00.000-04:00

I drive to Washington today, and I will be at the WSDC for the duration.

Stand by for live reports and pictures from the tournament, and learn about it as it happens, round by round.

As they say:

The World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) is a truly global competition for high school debaters. The Championships take place each year in a different country, hosted by a national debating body. Recent venues include Sydney, London, Johannesburg, Singapore, Lima and in 2006 Cardiff, Wales.
All debates take place in English. Each country can submit a squad of 3-5 students under 19 in full time education in that country to debate social, moral and political issues.

Past patrons of the Championships include Tony Blair and Nelson Mandela.

New Zealand Squad off to Worlds

2008-09-04T20:37:00.003-04:00

From http://www.debating.org.nz/2008/09/02/nz-squad-off-to-worlds

From NZ Nationals 2008

NZ Squad off to Worlds
September 02nd, 2008 | Category: Uncategorized
The 2008 World Schools’ Debating Championships starts soon in Washington D.C. The New Zealand squad consists of:

- A team of five debaters (Maria English, Holly Jenkins, Jen Savage, Ben Kornfeld, and Tom Chen)
- Two coaches (Julia Fetherston and Kevin Moar)
- Two adjudicators (Claire Ryan and Jeremy Johnson)

The team leaves NZ this afternoon, and the tournament starts on September 5.

As news filters in from Washington over the next couple of weeks we’ll be updating the website with all the news.

New Zealand’s draw is below. Affirmatives on the left, negative on the right.

Round 1: This house supports military intervention to deliver emergency aid in humanitarian crises
Greece v New Zealand

Round 2: Impromptu
New Zealand v Estonia

Round 3: This house would ban the use of unethically obtained data in scientific research
New Zealand v Bangladesh

Round 4: Impromptu
Japan v New Zealand

Round 5: This house would make the directors of multinational companies personally liable for environmental abuses committed by their companies in the developing world
New Zealand v Scotland

Round 6: Impromptu
Singapore v New Zealand

Round 7: This house believes that governments have a duty to bail out failing financial institutions
Slovakia v New Zealand

Round 8: Impromptu
New Zealand v Indonesia

New Zealand has a pretty tough draw, with debates against last year’s winning team and runner-up team. Greece have also been strong performers in recent years, and some describe Indonesia as the sleeping giants of the schools debating world.

All the very best to the team!

Follow Team Canada on their Blog

2008-09-04T10:34:00.002-04:00

Letter of encouragement from Canadian prime minister Harper

From http://blog.canadadebate.ca/

September 3rd, 2008 by Daniel Lewis
Today we finished the last day of preparation before we leave for Washignton tomorrow morning. All the hours we have spent writing briefing papers, reading the Economist and prepping cases comes down to now. This is the culmination of it all. As you can imagine, as Tim wrote yesterday, the feeling amongst the Team is one of anticipation, restlessness, excitement and slight anxiety. However, I think I speak for each one of us when I say that as we approach the climax of our journey, all the time we spent was most definitely worth it.

Today we discussed and practiced the finals motion. This is inherently a tough debate, as the resolution “THW expand the permanent membership of the UN security council” is fairly open, and there is a lot of room to define. For the opposition case especially, there are many ways to go, and we explored them today. We also had a practice preparation period for the impromptu debates. We are starting to come together as a team. I think that after these four days of debate, we are finally shaking the rust off and hitting our best form. We are thankful for all of the practice time we have had, as stressful and tiring as it may have been, and feel ready for the task ahead of us.

Bring on the world.

Pairings With Venues

2008-09-04T08:28:00.000-04:00

From WSDC 2008 Organizing Committee:

WORLD SCHOOLS DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIP 2008
WASHINGTON DC
Preliminary Round Draw

VENUE KEY, INCLUDING ADDRESSES, ON THE LAST PAGE.
All rounds that are GMU AM 10:30 AM start, GMU PM 2:30 PM start.
All rounds at other locations (schools) are approximately the same, but will start in synchrony with the class schedule of that school.

Round 0 – Impromptu Debate (Bye Round) – SATURDAY 1 PM

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Botswana Japan Hotel
Slovakia India Hotel
Mongolia Sri Lanka Hotel
Qatar Bangladesh Hotel

Round 1 – Prepared Debate – SUNDAY AM

This house supports military intervention to deliver emergency aid in humanitarian crises.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Israel South Africa GMU
Philippines Singapore GMU
Romania Hong Kong GMU
Slovenia England GMU
Greece New Zealand GMU
Bermuda Slovakia GMU
Scotland South Korea GMU
Czech Republic Argentina GMU
Mongolia Peru GMU
Pakistan Wales GMU
Sri Lanka Lithuania GMU
Canada USA GMU
Japan Montenegro GMU
Qatar Botswana GMU
Netherlands Mexico GMU
Bangladesh Zimbabwe GMU
Indonesia Ireland GMU
Estonia Australia GMU
Germany Kuwait GMU

Bye: India
Round 2 – Impromptu Debate – SUNDAY PM

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

South Africa USA GMU
Singapore Slovenia GMU
Canada Greece GMU
England Hong Kong GMU
New Zealand Estonia GMU
Montenegro Netherlands GMU
South Korea Romania GMU
Argentina Pakistan GMU
Peru Sri Lanka GMU
India Bermuda GMU
Israel Scotland GMU
Wales Germany GMU
Lithuania Bangladesh GMU
Kuwait Czech Republic GMU
Zimbabwe Botswana GMU
Mexico Mongolia GMU
Japan Qatar GMU
Australia Indonesia GMU
Ireland Philippines GMU

Bye: Slovakia

Round 3 – Prepared Debate – MONDAY AM

This house would ban the use of unethically obtained data in scientific research.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

South Africa Japan GMU
Singapore Montenegro GMU
Canada Mongolia GMU
England Qatar GMU
New Zealand Bangladesh GMU
Slovakia Ireland GMU
South Korea Estonia GMU
Argentina Indonesia GMU
Peru Kuwait GMU
Bermuda Greece GMU
Israel Romania GMU
Mexico Scotland A = C. Milton Wright HS
Zimbabwe Hong Kong A = C. Milton Wright HS
India Pakistan B = Patrick Henry HS
Botswana Australia B = Patrick Henry HS
Czech Republic Slovenia C = Eastern HS
USA Germany C = Eastern HS
Wales Netherlands D = Eastern HS
Lithuania Philippines D = Eastern HS

Bye: Sri Lanka
Round 4 – Impromptu Debate – MONDAY PM

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Japan New Zealand GMU
Montenegro England GMU
Indonesia Peru GMU
Sri Lanka Canada GMU
Kuwait Slovakia GMU
Bangladesh South Africa GMU
Estonia Israel GMU
Qatar Singapore GMU
Greece South Korea GMU
Romania Argentina GMU
Ireland Bermuda GMU
Hong Kong Mexico A = C. Milton Wright HS
Scotland Zimbabwe A = C. Milton Wright HS
Australia India B = Patrick Henry HS
Pakistan Botswana B = Patrick Henry HS
Slovenia USA C = Eastern HS
Germany Czech Republic C = Eastern HS
Netherlands Lithuania D = Eastern HS
Philippines Wales D = Eastern HS

Bye: Mongolia
Round 5 – Prepared Debate – TUESDAY AM

This house would make the directors of multinational companies personally liable for environmental abuses committed by their companies in the developing world.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Zimbabwe Qatar GMU
Montenegro Mongolia GMU
England USA GMU
Wales Slovenia GMU
South Korea Israel GMU
Kuwait Canada GMU
Argentina Greece GMU
Peru Philippines GMU
Romania Indonesia GMU
Estonia Bermuda GMU
Sri Lanka Bangladesh GMU
New Zealand Scotland A = Indian Creek HS
Hong Kong Singapore A = Indian Creek HS
Australia South Africa B = Patrick Henry HS
Ireland Pakistan B = Patrick Henry HS
Mexico India C = Eastern HS
Botswana Slovakia C = Eastern HS
Netherlands Czech Republic D = Eastern HS
Lithuania Germany D = Eastern HS

Bye: Japan
Round 6 – Impromptu Debate – TUESDAY PM

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Greece Kuwait GMU
USA Peru GMU
India Japan GMU
Mongolia Zimbabwe GMU
Slovenia Argentina GMU
Israel Wales GMU
Philippines South Korea GMU
Indonesia Estonia GMU
Bermuda Sri Lanka GMU
Bangladesh Romania GMU
Canada England GMU
Scotland Hong Kong A = Indian Creek HS
Singapore New Zealand A = Indian Creek HS
Pakistan Australia B = Patrick Henry HS
South Africa Ireland B = Patrick Henry HS
Qatar Montenegro C = Eastern HS
Slovakia Mexico C = Eastern HS
Czech Republic Lithuania D = Eastern HS
Germany Netherlands D = Eastern HS

Bye: Botswana
Round 7 – Prepared Debate – WEDNESDAY AM

This house believes that governments have a duty to bail out failing financial institutions.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Slovakia New Zealand GMU
Greece Peru GMU
Indonesia Wales GMU
Montenegro Kuwait GMU
Bangladesh England GMU
Mongolia Argentina GMU
India South Korea GMU
USA Botswana GMU
Philippines Israel GMU
Japan Zimbabwe GMU
Slovenia Mexico GMU
Hong Kong Lithuania A = Indian Creek HS
Germany Canada A = Indian Creek HS
Singapore Estonia B = to be announced
Scotland Romania B = to be announced
Ireland Sri Lanka C = Eastern HS
South Africa Czech Republic C = Eastern HS
Pakistan Netherlands D = Eastern HS
Australia Bermuda D = Eastern HS

Bye: Qatar
Round 8 – Impromptu Debate – WEDNESDAY PM

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

New Zealand Indonesia GMU
Peru Slovenia GMU
England Philippines GMU
Wales Qatar GMU
Argentina Montenegro GMU
South Korea Mongolia GMU
USA India GMU
Botswana Israel GMU
Zimbabwe Slovakia GMU
Kuwait Japan GMU
Mexico Greece GMU
Hong Kong Germany A = Indian Creek HS
Lithuania Canada A = Indian Creek HS
Estonia Scotland B = to be announced
Romania Singapore B = to be announced
Sri Lanka South Africa C = Eastern HS
Czech Republic Ireland C = Eastern HS
Bermuda Pakistan D = Eastern HS
Netherlands Australia D = Eastern HS

Bye: Bangladesh

INFORMATION ABOUT HOST SCHOOLS

GMU = George Mason University
Fairfax Campus
4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA
Sunday-Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday those wishing to see debates should come to SUV 2, also known as Student Union 2.

Hotel = Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport
2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Arlington, VA 22202
703 418 1234

Andrew Colley
acolley@indiancreekschool.com
Indian Creek HS
1130 Anne Chambers Way
Crownsville, MD 21032
410-849-5151
9-10 Tues-Wed 4 teams 2 rooms
Wants a workshop

Rebecca Dovi
RDovi@hanover.k12.va.us
Patrick Henry High School Ashland VA
804-263-1626
MONDAY & TUESDAY, FOUR TEAMS, TWO ROOMS.
Lunch supplied.

Ginnie Bullis
Ginnie.Bullis@hcps.org
C. Milton Wright High School
1301 N. Fountain Green Rd.
Bel Air, MD 21015
MONDAY = A

Eastern Senior HS
1700 East Capitol St. NE
WASH DC 20003
202-698-4500
William Chiselom william.chiselom@dc.gov
698-4590
4 ROOMS MON-TUES-WED

Sri Lanka has High Expectations at WSDC 08

2008-09-03T08:46:00.002-04:00

From http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080824/Mirror/sundaytimesmirror_6255.html

Under debate

By Natasha Fernandopulle, Pix by Saman Kariyawasam
The Debater's Council along with the Moot Court and Debating Society of the Faculty of Law of the University of Colombo organised a series of three workshops which included one for the students of the Law Faculty, another for the adjudicators and one for school children. The latter was held at the Faculty of Law on August 15 where around 120 students from various school between the ages of 16 and 18, participated.

Speaking to Gehan Gunatilleke who is part of the Debater's Council, he said that this is "an independent society of past and present debaters where the main functions are providing services which include adjudication, training and also the selecting of the world schools debating team." And he went on to say that they got together around two years ago to form this council for those who were out of university, adding, "we hope to become a national level organisation at some point."

The style followed at these workshops were, the British Parliamentary and World Schools format and they were conducted by Sam Block and Mhairi Murdoch. And the main sponsors for these workshops were the Neelan Thiruchelvam Trust and Our World English School.

Sam Block, was ranked as Best Speaker at the World Universities Debating Competition 2008, which was held in Assumption, Thailand. The main purpose of having him here for the workshops was with the purpose of coaching the team from Sri Lanka who will be participating in the World Schools Debating Competition. And speaking to the four members of the team they seemed quite confident about doing well at the competition which is to be held in the US this year.

"They have been enjoying themselves, they get involved and seem very eager," said Sam, adding that the seniors have done some debating prior to this workshop. "Some are a little apprehensive but have done pretty well." He went on to say that the students have said they have gained a lot, which he was happy to hear.

David Rajasingham (17), who is the captain of the team and a student of S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia said, "I got interested in debating when one of my schoolmates Prawira introduced me to it - this was in 2006," and in terms of the plus points of debating he says, "you tend to know much more and are forced to research." With regard to the World Schools Debating Competition, in the US, he says, "from what we've heard, we have a fairly good chance."

Adding to this, Prawira Saldin (18), also a student of S. Thomas' College said, "It would be great if we can reach the quarter finals or the semis" he said, adding, "there's a possibility we could get far." And what got him interested in debating, was, watching movies where lawyers litigate, "I thought debating would help me be like these lawyers."

A student of Ananda College, Tharindra Gooneratne (17) said it all started for him because, he likes to speak in public and debate." With regard to the workshops, "I gained a lot in terms of style," and went on to say he learnt how to build up arguments in a way a judge and audience would respond.

"I used to be fascinated watching the seniors debate at the inter house debates," said Sandaruwani de Silva (17), a student of Bishop's College who started debating in the junior school. "This workshop goes in to detail," Sandaruwani said, adding, "they told us their experiences on how debates are judged," and that this will help them at international competitions.

Both Mhairi and Sam had learnt to debate at Cambridge and taught debating as well at the summer school. At this programme there had been people from all around the world. They have worked with a vast age group of people from the ages of seven to 47 years. And they are both involved with Our World English School which conducts the Global Young Leaders Course. "It's been largely positive," Mhairi said, considering, "lots of them have not done debating," as she spoke to us during the break of the workshop she conducted for the juniors. "Most of the people have said something in front of the audience," adding, "it seems to be quite successful."

A student of Musaeus College, Kalani Kulathilaka (16) participated in the workshop for juniors and said she debates in school and said, "I was forced to join but once I did I started simply loving it and it has become one of my passions." Through the workshops, "They have taught us how to analyse, get used to the British Parliamentary style, present your arguments and how to prove yourself," adding, "It boosts up your public speaking skills."

Another one of the juniors, Ganatharan (15) from Hindu College commented on the way the workshops were conducted, in terms of how, "it was something different because our way of teaching in schools is different," adding that, "the basics and concepts were the same but there was practical work," which helped. And he went on to say, "debating is a skill that comes in handy even after leaving school and can be used for anything."

German Team on the Way

2008-09-02T08:26:00.001-04:00

From http://www.schoolsdebate.de/wsdc08.htm

Debaters:
Belafi, Carmen; Murrhardt
Deiss, Valerie; Korb
Dressel, Leonie; Stuttgart
Gilke, Jana; Backnang-Heinigen
Seethaler, Franziska; Böblingen

Coach:
Laux, Sven; Bietigheim-Bissingen

Judges:
Hoeness, Angelika; Korb
Heil, Klaus-Peter; Mutlangen
Trefz, Birgit; Aspach

Contact for Germany (Team Manager):
Hoeness, Angelika; 71404 Korb

No Hurricane Threat

2008-09-02T07:41:00.003-04:00

There are some hurricanes about, but none threaten Washington DC during the upcoming WSDC tournament.

Just to help we have now installed a weather forecast on the website.

From the National Weather Service:

Saturday
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Highs in the lower 80s. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.

Sunday
Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s.

Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 60s.

Monday
Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 80s.

Here Comes Romania!

2008-09-01T11:34:00.001-04:00

From http://wsdcro.wordpress.com/2008-delegation/

Also in the picture, but unfortunatelly not able to attend: Andrei Georgescu, Eveline Dicu, Iulian Maier and Catalina Secreteanu.

The Team:

Debaters:
Mihai Alexandrescu
Raluca Tudoroiu
Sabin Ciornea
Nicolae Sovaiala-Ionescu
Valeria Burdea

Coach: David Moscovici

Adjudicatiors:
Simona Mazilu
Alexandra Neacsu
Gelu Hanganu
Serban Pitic

HISTORY OF THE ROMANIAN WSDC TEAM

Starting with WSDC 2004, Germany,

where the pioneering team for Romania, into the Worlds Championship consisted of members: Alexandra Neacsu, David Moscovici and Andreea Militaru, coached by Mrs. Simona Mazilu.

WSDC 2005 Calgary, Canada

The Team composed by Alexandra Neacsu, David Moscovici and Andreea Militaru had another go at the Championship and achieved, after 4 victories out of 8 rounds, the great standard of being only one half of a point away from breaking into the octo-finals and winning 1st place in the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) section, which was awarded to Slovenia. Also at this edition of the championships, 2 back-up members qualified to pariticipate on the team: Ana Rus and Serban Pitic.

WSDC 2006 Cardiff, Wales, UK

In 2006 the national selection chose a team of 5: Serban Pitic, Ana Rus, Simona Olteanu. Alexandra Oprea and Anca Onutan. The team managed to win 2 victories out of 8 in the rounds. Mr Gelu Hanganu participated as a coach and Mrs. Simona Mazilu was the adjudicator in the Romanian Delegation.

WSDC 2007 Seoul, South Korea

The 2007 Team Romania consisted of: Valeria Burdea, Raluca Tudoroiu Andreea Geacu, Iulian Maier and Maria Tanase. The selected coach for the 2007 WSDC team Romania was David Moscovici. Also Alexandra Neacsu participated alongside Simona Mazilu as a judge in the championship.

Team Slovenia Does Television in the USA

2008-08-31T20:35:00.000-04:00

Anja, Filip, Jernej, Eva and Zan visit with Alfred Snider about their experience in the Slovenian debate program, their selection to the World Schools team and their upcoming competition in the World Schools Debating Championship in Washington, DC.

Our apologies as 40 seconds of dead air begin the program.

From http://flashpointtv.blogspot.com/2008/08/366-slovenia-debate-in-vermont.html

Qatar Team Upbeat for World Schools Championship

2008-08-31T20:13:00.000-04:00

Alex Just (left) with the team members speaking to mediapersons at the Qatar Debate Centre on Thursday

From http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=238790&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Qatari team upbeat
Publish Date: Sunday,31 August, 2008, at 01:43 AM Doha Time

By Ourouba Hussein

Members of the first Qatari team to take part in the World School Debating Championship have expressed hope of doing well in the event scheduled to be held in Washington DC next month.
Prior to their departure on Friday, the five-member team and their coach spoke about their training, their debating team to represent Qatar on the world stage.
The programme director Alex Just said that the national team would be the second Arab team after Kuwait to participate in the 20-year history of the competition. The team was trained in London and its members were selected following a debating competition among Qatar schools.
Just said the team would attend a pre-competition training in New York, and workshops with American students. Later, they will take off to Washington DC where the contests will be held from September 5-15.
He said that the team had a month to practise for the first round of the competition. Each of the members is required to carry out researches about a certain topic.
“If they get through the first round to the second, they will be given two hours of practice for the topic which could be political, social or economical.
“They will have to be prepared to argue about anything,” he added.
The five members of the Qatar national debating team said they were looking forward to visiting the ‘Dream Land’, and meeting people from 40 different countries participating in the competition. They also expressed how proud they were to be the first to represent Qatar in the competition.
Talal Burshaid, a 17-year-old Qatari , explained that the training was helpful since he has got political aspirations and interests in international relations.
Vartan Shadarevian said debating encourages the expression of point of views, teaches leadership skills and the ability to argue both sides before taking a side, and increases one’s understanding of the other side.
Tina Niaki, a 17-year-old Iranian, said debating teaches objective thinking and the desire to know more about the world.
Aysha Batley, a 17-year-old Pakistani, stressed debating opens up the mind and structures the way one thinks, speaks and discusses.
‘Participating in the debating competition is like going on a world tour,” she said.

Announcement from J. J. Rodriguez

2008-08-31T14:12:00.000-04:00

Dear WSDC community;

As you prepare to converge on Washington I find myself stuck on the left coast and surrounded by a never ending stack of research. Now that the draw has been released I am sure you empathize. Unfortunately, I will not have the opportunity to see the culmination of your work this year. It is with great regret that I announce I will not be attending the event as one of your chief adjudicators. My duties here have unfortunately and quite suddenly left little room for debate.

Fortunately, I leave you in the extremely competent hands of Chief Adjudicator Aaron Maniam who will be aided by a very gifted panel including Chris Erksine, Claire Ryan, James Probert, Kris Ade, and Irene McGrath. Being surrounded by people whose competence renders me unnecessary is a very good thing.

I very much looked forward to being able to chat with you throughout the tournament. Since I won't get to do that, here is a wee bit of unsolicited advice. You will discuss provocative issues, disagree with adjudicators, win some debates, and lose some others. Nonetheless, at the end of the day, the competitive spirit gives way to the collective one. I have enjoyed my time with this community because of the welcoming spirit it embraces. I have lifelong friends from the WSDC despite my brief sojourn with you. So, as you debate to the very best of your ability also remember to take advantage of this truly rare opportunity. I will miss the people more than any debating I participated in during my eight years as a competitor or ten years as a coach. As one of my students is fond of saying, people before trophies. Have fun and best of luck.

J. J.

J.J. is a law student and a visiting assistant professor of communication studies at Loyola Marymount University where he also serves as a coach for the university’s growing debating program. Before working at LMU, J. J. was a public school teacher. In that capacity, he served as the Director of Debate for the Southern California Debate League, a member of the Executive Council of the California High School Speech Association and an official for the National Forensic League.

As a debater, J.J. was a grand finalist at the World Universities Debating Championships and a number of other national and international tournaments. Since then he has been involved with the WSDC as the Team USA coach in 2005 and 2006 and a member of the Chief Adjudicator’s Panel in 2007. He has also been a member of the Executive Committee since 2006. He has chaired the Learning Materials Working Group and currently chairs the Debate Administration Working Group.

How the Draw Was Done

2008-08-31T07:46:00.001-04:00

From Aaron Maniam:

As in previous years, the draw was done blindly through an assignment of codes to teams. The only thing the code told the organisers was which quartile a team was in (quartiles were assigned to countries based on their performance in the last three WSDC's). The codes were swapped for country names only after the entire draw was formulated.

This process helped to check against potential bias and guaranteed randomness of the pairings within the constraints of ensuring that teams meet a good cross section of opponents, and as far as possible have approximately equal numbers of Prop and Opp rounds, for both prepared and impromptu debates.

Good luck to all teams!

WSDC 2008 Draw

2008-08-30T17:36:00.000-04:00

WORLD SCHOOLS DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIP 2008
WASHINGTON DC

Preliminary Round Draw

Round 0 – Impromptu Debate (Bye Round)

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Botswana Japan Hotel
Slovakia India Hotel
Mongolia Sri Lanka Hotel
Qatar Bangladesh Hotel

Round 1 – Prepared Debate

This house supports military intervention to deliver emergency aid in humanitarian crises.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Israel South Africa GMU
Philippines Singapore GMU
Romania Hong Kong GMU
Slovenia England GMU
Greece New Zealand GMU
Bermuda Slovakia GMU
Scotland South Korea GMU
Czech Republic Argentina GMU
Mongolia Peru GMU
Pakistan Wales GMU
Sri Lanka Lithuania GMU
Canada USA GMU
Japan Montenegro GMU
Qatar Botswana GMU
Netherlands Mexico GMU
Bangladesh Zimbabwe GMU
Indonesia Ireland GMU
Estonia Australia GMU
Germany Kuwait GMU

Bye: India

Round 2 – Impromptu Debate

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

South Africa USA GMU
Singapore Slovenia GMU
Canada Greece GMU
England Hong Kong GMU
New Zealand Estonia GMU
Montenegro Netherlands GMU
South Korea Romania GMU
Argentina Pakistan GMU
Peru Sri Lanka GMU
India Bermuda GMU
Israel Scotland GMU
Wales Germany GMU
Lithuania Bangladesh GMU
Kuwait Czech Republic GMU
Zimbabwe Botswana GMU
Mexico Mongolia GMU
Japan Qatar GMU
Australia Indonesia GMU
Ireland Philippines GMU

Bye: Slovakia

Round 3 – Prepared Debate

This house would ban the use of unethically obtained data in scientific research.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

South Africa Japan GMU
Singapore Montenegro GMU
Canada Mongolia GMU
England Qatar GMU
New Zealand Bangladesh GMU
Slovakia Ireland GMU
South Korea Estonia GMU
Argentina Indonesia GMU
Peru Kuwait GMU
Bermuda Greece GMU
Israel Romania GMU
Mexico Scotland A
Zimbabwe Hong Kong A
India Pakistan B
Botswana Australia B
Czech Republic Slovenia C
USA Germany C
Wales Netherlands D
Lithuania Philippines D

Bye: Sri Lanka

Round 4 – Impromptu Debate

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Japan New Zealand GMU
Montenegro England GMU
Indonesia Peru GMU
Sri Lanka Canada GMU
Kuwait Slovakia GMU
Bangladesh South Africa GMU
Estonia Israel GMU
Qatar Singapore GMU
Greece South Korea GMU
Romania Argentina GMU
Ireland Bermuda GMU
Hong Kong Mexico A
Scotland Zimbabwe A
Australia India B
Pakistan Botswana B
Slovenia USA C
Germany Czech Republic C
Netherlands Lithuania D
Philippines Wales D

Bye: Mongolia

Round 5 – Prepared Debate

This house would make the directors of multinational companies personally liable for environmental abuses committed by their companies in the developing world.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Zimbabwe Qatar GMU
Montenegro Mongolia GMU
England USA GMU
Wales Slovenia GMU
South Korea Israel GMU
Kuwait Canada GMU
Argentina Greece GMU
Peru Philippines GMU
Romania Indonesia GMU
Estonia Bermuda GMU
Sri Lanka Bangladesh GMU
New Zealand Scotland A
Hong Kong Singapore A
Australia South Africa B
Ireland Pakistan B
Mexico India C
Botswana Slovakia C
Netherlands Czech Republic D
Lithuania Germany D

Bye: Japan

Round 6 – Impromptu Debate

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Greece Kuwait GMU
USA Peru GMU
India Japan GMU
Mongolia Zimbabwe GMU
Slovenia Argentina GMU
Israel Wales GMU
Philippines South Korea GMU
Indonesia Estonia GMU
Bermuda Sri Lanka GMU
Bangladesh Romania GMU
Canada England GMU
Scotland Hong Kong A
Singapore New Zealand A
Pakistan Australia B
South Africa Ireland B
Qatar Montenegro C
Slovakia Mexico C
Czech Republic Lithuania D
Germany Netherlands D

Bye: Botswana

Round 7 – Prepared Debate

This house believes that governments have a duty to bail out failing financial institutions.

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

Slovakia New Zealand GMU
Greece Peru GMU
Indonesia Wales GMU
Montenegro Kuwait GMU
Bangladesh England GMU
Mongolia Argentina GMU
India South Korea GMU
USA Botswana GMU
Philippines Israel GMU
Japan Zimbabwe GMU
Slovenia Mexico GMU
Hong Kong Lithuania A
Germany Canada A
Singapore Estonia B
Scotland Romania B
Ireland Sri Lanka C
South Africa Czech Republic C
Pakistan Netherlands D
Australia Bermuda D

Bye: Qatar

Round 8 – Impromptu Debate

PROPOSITION TEAM OPPOSITION TEAM VENUE

New Zealand Indonesia GMU
Peru Slovenia GMU
England Philippines GMU
Wales Qatar GMU
Argentina Montenegro GMU
South Korea Mongolia GMU
USA India GMU
Botswana Israel GMU
Zimbabwe Slovakia GMU
Kuwait Japan GMU
Mexico Greece GMU
Hong Kong Germany A
Lithuania Canada A
Estonia Scotland B
Romania Singapore B
Sri Lanka South Africa C
Czech Republic Ireland C
Bermuda Pakistan D
Netherlands Australia D

Bye: Bangladesh

Next - THE DRAW

2008-08-30T17:26:00.000-04:00

From Claire Ryan:

Greetings everyone.

With delays in confirming the exact number of teams, the draw has also been delayed. However, it is now understood that there are 39 teams in the competition - waiting to find out who will debate whom and when.

Chief Adjudicator Aaron Maniam will release the draw on 30 August 2008 at midnight USA Eastern Time, and it will be posted both on the http://wsdc2008.blogspot.com/ and http://www.schoolsdebate.com/blog/ sites. I'll also try to post it here.

The odd number of teams means there will be a bye for a team in each round and therefore a bye round (the famous Round 0).

We're all looking forward to the draw when it emerges in a few hours and good luck to everyone as they prepare.

Claire Ryan

Secretary,

Executive Committee,

WSDC Ltd

Thirty-nine Teams in the Draw, Released at Midnight USA Eastern Time

2008-08-30T15:38:00.000-04:00

With Montenegro and Botswana in the draw, a huge field is ready to find out who debates who and when.

Chief Adjudicator Aaron Maniam will release the draw tonight at midnight USA Eastern Time, and will be posted on the World Schools website and here.

The odd number of teams means there will be a bye in each round and a bye round (Round 0).

Get it here and good luck.

Bermuda Salutes Home Team

2008-08-30T09:57:00.000-04:00

Team Bermuda: Catherine Campbell, Nikki-Lynn Marshall and Michelle Kelly, with Blake Sonnenfeld in the middle at the front. The three girls are hoping to make the Island proud when they compete alongside Jacari Brimmer Landy and Nicholas Rinehimer in the Debating Championships in Washington D.C. next month.

From http://www.royalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7d886af3003000b&sectionId=60

Article published August 13. 2008 11:43AM
No debate, here is Bermuda's school team for world championships

By Nadia Arandjelovic
Five local students will head to the United States capital next month to compete in an international debating competition.

Students Nikki Lynn Marshall, Michelle Kelly, Jacari Brimmer Landy, Catherine Campbell and Nicholas Rinehimer make up this year's Bermuda Debate Team and will be going to Washington D.C. for the World Schools Debating Championships.

The group will be up against 45 different countries from Argentina to Zimbabwe and will debate a handful of social, moral and political issues, explained team coach Christianna Hiles.

The team has been training regularly for the past few months, sometimes two to three times a week, in order to prepare arguments for the known debate topics.

The most challenging part of the competition, however, will come later on when the debaters are given impromptu topics.

The teams will be left in a room with a dictionary and an almanac and have only an hour to prepare their case.

"This is part of the real challenge and the best way for students to really test themselves," explained Ms Hiles, who is joined by veteran debate coach Gladstone Thompson.

Apart from the obvious challenges involved, debater Nikki-Lynn Marshall, 16, is looking forward to the experience.

"I am looking forward to meeting everybody from the other countries and learning something new," she said, "because basically we all get the same topics but it's interesting to see how each team interprets them differently."

Miss Marshall said the Bermuda team was known for being nice, however, shouldn't be underestimated in the competition.

"Team Bermuda is really known for being a really nice team, but we really go because we want to put Bermuda on the map," she said.

"Most of these people at these competitions have never heard about Bermuda and it's nice to tell them a little bit about us and let them know that we are good debaters."

Miss Marshall has been competing with the Bermuda Debate Team for a year and a half, but admits she has competed with Bermuda High School and Consumer Affairs since she was eight years old.

"I first started debating when my school picked me for a competition and ever since then I've still always debated," she said.

"It broadens my knowledge, helps me learn new things, helps me with public speaking and it's going to help get me into a good college," she said.

Miss Marshall, an aspiring lawyer, believes debating will also help her in a future career and told The Royal Gazette: "I really enjoy arguing and public speaking and persuading people to see my point of view and I really see myself in this profession."

The debaters, sponsored by the National Debate Society, will be in Washington D.C. from September 5-15. Supporters can track their progress on the Debate Society's website.

Pakistan Prime Minister Salutes Debaters on Way to WSDC

2008-08-30T09:40:00.001-04:00

From http://thepost.com.pk/CityNewsT.aspx?dtlid=180336&catid=3

Associated Press of Pakistan

LAHORE: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government is taking concrete measures for the youth's development and 'Youth Policy' will be introduced soon.

He was talking to a delegation of students, who are to visit Washington DC US for an international debate contest.

"Youth are our valued asset and their abilities and talent must be fully utilised for the progress and development of the country," he said.

The prime minister acknowledged that Pakistan's talented youth have always earned a good name in the world.

He hoped that the students designated to contest the international debate competition would be successful in their mission.

The prime minister was also given a briefing on the occasion. He was told that the international debate contests were annually participated by highly intelligent students from 30 to 40 countries in the world. Pakistan has also been attending this event annually. All the participants have been trained by the Pakistan Debating Society, he was informed. The prime minister left for Islamabad, after an overnight stay in the provincial metropolis.

29 Countries Access WSDC Website in Two Days

2008-08-29T20:45:00.000-04:00

Twenty-nine nations have signed into the WSDC 2008 website since it was launched on 27 August 2008 at 5:14 PM ET.

Stories have included:

Conduct Forms, Airport Travel, Observers, Country ...
More Judges Welcome!
Soon Up - The Draw
Meet Alfred Snider, Director of Tournament Operati...
Teams Link Up With Their Embassies in Washington
Tour Options for the Free Day
Tuesday Night - Prepare for the Country Exhibition...
WSDC Alcohol Statement
Schedule Update
Meet Aaron Maniam, Chief Adjudicator
Hotel Information

Traffic from countries includes:
Country Page Views for Map Area:
United States [14%]
United Kingdom [11%]
Canada [9%]
Ireland [7%]
Israel [7%]
Slovakia [7%]
Philippines [5%]
South Africa [5%]
Indonesia [2%]
Netherlands [2%]
Hong Kong S.A.R., China [2%]
Malaysia [2%]
Qatar [2%]
Greece [2%]
China [2%]
Germany [2%]
Slovenia [2%]
Romania [2%]
Mauritius [2%]
Singapore [2%]
India [2%]
Czech Republic [2%]
Peru [2%]
Bangladesh [2%]

Conduct Forms, Airport Travel, Observers, Country Exhibition

2008-08-29T15:35:00.000-04:00

From convener Phyllis Hirth (PhyllisHi@aol.com):

You need to sign and return to me the Code of Conduct forms which you can find as Annex three to the WSDC Rules at:
http://www.schoolsdebate.com/guides.asp
You will find the form at the end of the Word document rules_word.doc

You can scan and email to me or post to:
Phyllis Hirth
29 Forest Blvd
Ardsley, NY 10502

I need them before the championships begin. If you have not signed you can not participate.

Remember that students need their parents or guardian to sign too, so please try not to leave it to the last minute.

Travel from the Airports…..

For those of you coming into Dulles International Airport, the best transport to the hotel is the Super Shuttle(supershuttle.com) or 800-622-2089. The fee quoted to me is $26 for the 1st person and $10/person after that. The van will fill any empty spaces with other passengers. You can also hire your own van for up to 10 people for $120.

For those of you coming to Baltimore Washington International Airport, you can also use the same contacts for the Super Shuttle. The rate is $44 for the 1st person and $12/person after that. Same as with Dulles, you can hire your own van for up to 10 people for $104. The young and hearty among you can take the MARC train to Union Station for $6. From Union Station take the Metro red line to Metro Center and change to the blue line to Crystal City. Then call the hotel (703-418-1234) and they will send the shuttle for you.

There has been some confusion on the rate for observers. The fee of $1600 is for double occupancy. Unfortunately, we are overbooked at the moment and I am not able to give single occupancy to anyone who was billed $1600. My apologies for the confusion.

On one of our evenings we are planning a County Exhibit Night. Please bring something for your table to show the delegates something special about your country. Please, no food. The hotel will not let us serve anything they do not prepare for fear of litigation (remember this is the US, the most litigious nation in the world). This is also a night for those of you with any talents, or talents you think you have, to express yourselves for the benefit of the delegates. Please don’t disappoint me on this. I look forward to learning a little more about each of you and about your culture. More details are at http://wsdc2008.blogspot.com/2008/08/tuesday-night-prepare-for-country.html

More Judges Welcome!

2008-08-29T10:50:00.000-04:00

WANTED – JUDGES FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

This September the World Schools Debating Championship will be held in and around Washington, DC. The dates are September 6-14 2008. Thirty-eight nations will each be sending one team to the competition, and one team will be named world champion. Last year the tournament was in Seoul, Korea and Scotland defeated Singapore in the final round.

Each debate has three judges, and we are recruiting judges to add to those already assembled. We hope that you can judge one or more of these debates. You can indicate when you are available when you come to judge training.

The contest takes place in the World Schools format. The format is easy to understand and the evaluation criteria are fairly straightforward. We will be providing basic judge training and orientation. You can find the rules at http://www.schoolsdebate.com/guides.asp .

All judges must attend the Judge Training session that will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202 on Saturday September 6 starting at 9 AM. The training will be completed in the early afternoon.

Preliminary debates will then take place on Sunday September 7, Monday September 8, Tuesday September 9 and Wednesday September 10. The octafinals and quarterfinals will be held on Friday September 12, the semifinals on Saturday September 13 and the finals on Sunday September 14.

Preliminary debates are usually staged with one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Lunch will be provided on debating days. We will provide transportation from the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in the mornings of each debating day and you will be returned to the Hyatt after the debates.

The debates themselves are of unusually high quality and should provide a stimulating academic experience. New judges will be assigned to “shadow judge” and then will be used in a formal judging capacity. While we are unable to compensate you, we can promise some excellent debates.

If you have debate experience as a coach or student and would like to take this opportunity to judge at a world-class event, please contact our chief adjudicator, Aaron Maniam, at aaronmaniam@gmail.com . Please provide him with some brief information about your debating experience. He will then be ready and waiting for you when you arrive at judge training.

Soon Up - The Draw

2008-08-29T09:33:00.000-04:00

The finishing touches are being put on the draw for prelim debates at the WSDC 2008. Teams around the world are anxiously waiting for this announcement so they can target their opponents and focus on the assigned side for the prepared motions.

The draw would already be up but for finalizing who will be in it. It is imperative that the draw contain all teams attending and that non-attendees are not included. This means that the status of each and every team must be finalized, registration complete, and fees paid. Teams have had to get visas, arrange sponsors and many other things.

This is the place where you will get the draw first. Keep checking back.

By the way, Montenegro needs to email alfred.snider@uvm.edu about their status.

Meet Alfred Snider, Director of Tournament Operations

2008-08-28T20:37:00.000-04:00

Alfred C. Snider is the Edwin W. Lawrence Professor of Forensics at the University of Vermont. He teaches courses in debate, argumentation, persuasion and rhetorical analysis. He is the Director of the World Debate Institute and the Lawrence Debate Union.

"I heard that Phyllis could use some help and I have long been an admirer of the WSDC format. I have previously coached the Slovenian team and I am interested in the future of global competition in this format," he recently said.

Prof. Snider has spent the last thirty-six years promoting debate and critical communication as an alternative to violence and conflict as well as a method for achieving real democracy and a true civil society. He has done formal debate training in twenty-two countries and has trained debaters from over thirty-five nations at the World Debate Institute’s sessions in the USA, Korea and Slovenia. He has directed the debate program at international conferences in Turkey, Estonia and Slovenia attended by scholars from over thirty-five nations.

Prof. Snider has received every major award given to debate educators in the USA, including the Pelham Coach of the Year award, the Don Brownlee Service to Debate award, the Ziegelmueller Debate Coaching award, the Slappey Diversity in Debate award, the Douglas Dedication to Debate award and the Jacobsohn Service to Debate award. His work in promoting debate has also brought him awards from Emory University, the University of Utah, Cornell University, Binghamton University, the University of South Carolina as well as from the National Forensic League and the Cross Examination Debate Association.

Prof. Snider had published six books on debating in the last five years and during his career has edited or written over fifty volumes about debating and for debaters. He is the host of the television program Flashpoint that has over three hundred and sixty episodes and deals with political and social issues. He maintains one of the world’s busiest debate websites, Debate Central (http://debate.uvm.edu), and is the editor of Global Debate (http://globaldebateblog.blogspot.com ). He has pioneered using the Internet and new media for debating.

Prof. Snider has served as President of the USA’s Cross Examination Debate Association and for the last six years has been the Director of Operations for the National Forensic League’s national high school speech and debate championship, attended by over five thousand people and lasting one week. He has directed dozens of debate tournaments in different parts of the world.

Teams Link Up With Their Embassies in Washington

2008-08-28T09:37:00.000-04:00

Canadian embassy in Washington

Many visitors to WSDC will find that they have familiar folks to welcome and host them. The organizing committee sent letters to every embassy in Washington inviting them to join us at the tournament and especially to link up with their own team.

Many embassies responded and contacts have been made. Some embassy officials are coming to WSDC official events, some are holding receptions and welcomes for the teams at their embassies, some will be watching debates and one is even arranging a White House visit for their team.

If you would like to contact your embassy and need information about how to do so, please email alfred.snider@uvm.edu and indicate the name of your country. We have a data set of all embassies.

Tour Options for the Free Day

2008-08-28T08:14:00.000-04:00

Tour Options for Thursday, September 11, 2008

Option 1: Monticello
Cost: $40.00

“I am as happy no where else and in no other society, and all my wishes end, where I hope my days will end, at Monticello”. After a delightful two and one half hour ride into the foot hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is easy to see why Thomas Jefferson was so fond of his home in Albemarle County, Virginia. Virginia is not only the “Birthplace of a Nation” but its capital, Richmond, was also the capital of the confederacy. It is the birthplace of eight of our historical presidents. Thomas Jefferson was the 2nd Governor of Virginia, the First United States Secretary of State, and its 3rd President. Touring the architectural masterpiece of his home with all its objects, people, and stories will help you know what life was like for Jefferson’s’ family and slaves. Enjoy the unique horticulture and beautiful gardens for a truly memorable day.

Option 2: Jamestown
Cost: $50.00

Jamestown Virginia was the 1st colony established in the new world. A trip to nearby Colonial Williamsburg will allow you to immerse yourself in a restored and reconstructed typical 18th Century community. Here you can explore the daily lives, government, and commerce of Virginia residents in 1783. This is also a two and one half hour ride through beautiful Virginia to another world where the wealthy and slaves of the era lived, worked, and played.

Option 3: Gettysburg
Cost: $40.00

Two hours through Maryland will bring you to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. On July 1, 2, and 3, 1863, Gettysburg was where thousands fought and died in the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. There are over 1,000 monuments over 40 miles of scenic avenues to explore as you tour the site of one of the darkest spots in the history and development of the United States of America. An experience tour guide will join you on the bus to lead you through this experience.

Option 4: Mt. Vernon
Cost: $10.00

The home of George Washington is a little closer to our hotel. We will travel via metro and bus to Mount Vernon on the shores of the Potomac River. George Washington was the Commander in Chief of the Revolutionary Army and our 1st President. You will experience what life was like for Washington’s family and slaves in a setting of Rolling Meadows and gardens surrounded by a deep border of woods and wide vistas of the Potomac. Mount Vernon also boasts a hands on education center where, at one exhibit, you can make George age through time.

Tuesday Night - Prepare for the Country Exhibition

2008-08-27T20:37:00.000-04:00

WSDC COUNTRY EXHIBITION

In order to facilitate the sharing of cultures and histories that is such an important part of the World Schools Debating Championship the tournament will be sponsoring a “Country Exhibition.”

The idea is for each delegation to bring some items from their country to share with others. Each country will be given a table for their display, and all tournament attendees will be invited to stroll around the room and see as well as share. People can alternate between being at their country tables as well as strolling around and visiting the tables of other countries.

You should consider bringing flags, pictures, objects, handicrafts and whatever else you think tells the story of your country. People are invited to come in their national dress as well as bring music and perhaps even feel free to dance. Please include information about debating in your country. Bring things that open the possibilities of sharing, telling stories and communicating what life is like in your country. Of course, the most important thing that you can bring to the country exhibition is you, a living representative of your country.

Because of the strict rules of the hotel you may NOT bring food or beverages into the country exhibition. We know that this may constrain you a bit, but these are the conditions under which we are able to use the hotel for the tournament.

WSDC Alcohol Statement

2008-08-27T20:32:00.000-04:00

Underage Drinking in the United States - Phyllis Hirth, Convenor

Since there was so much confusion about what the legal drinking age was in South Korea, I wanted to make sure that everyone was well informed of the rules and regulations in the United States. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 states that the purchase of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21 years old is a misdemeanor. This is something that is taken very seriously in the states and all 50 states and the District of Columbia have adopted this policy. For those of you who might consider buying liquor for consumption by minors, a word of warning. Our courts are much harder on such unfortunates than they are on the minors. We really do have mothers sitting in jail for serving minors, not their own children, liquor in the privacy of their own home. Should you get caught either as a minor drinking or an adult contributing to the delinquency of a minor, you go into our legal system. There is nothing I can or will do to help you in such circumstances. It is expensive, confining, and down right scary, and you will be on your own. Should any such drinking come to the attention of the Conveners of World Schools Debating Championships, we are legally bound to report it to the authorities. Those same people will be forced to leave the tournament instantly at their own expense.

Schedule Update

2008-08-27T20:19:00.001-04:00

Fri 9/5 Registration 12:00 to Midnight

Sat 9/6 Breakfast 6:30 to 9:00

Adjudicators Meeting 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Debaters Tour 10:00 AM to 4:00PM

Picture at Jefferson Memorial 4:00PM

Opening Banquet 7:00 PM

Sun 9/7 Breakfast 6:30 to 9:00

Buses leave for GMU at 8:30

Rounds 1 & 2 at GMU 10:00 to 4:43 Lunch provided

Return to hotel 5:30

Mon 9/8 Breakfast 6:30 to 9:00

Buses leave for venues 8:30

rounds 3 & 4 Lunch provided

return to hotel 5:30

Bickel and Brewer reception at Hyatt at 6:00

Tues 9/9 Breakfast 6:30 to 9:00

Buses leave for venues 8:30

rounds 5 & 6 Lunch provided

return to hotel 5:30

Country Exhibition Night at Hyatt 7:00

Wed 9/10 Breakfast 6:30 to 9:00

Buses leave for venues at 8:30

rounds 7 & 8 Lunch provided

return to hotel 5:30

Break night party 7:00

Thurs 9/11 Breakfast 6:30 to 9:00

Tour Day Buses leave at 8:00AM

Return to Hyatt by 5:00

Fri 9/12 Breakfast 6:30 to 9:00

Octa's and Quarters at DC University at 10:00

Sat 9/13 Breakfast 6:30 to 9:00

Council Meeting at Hyatt at 10:00

Semi Finals at Hyatt at 8:00PM

Sun 9/14 Breakfast 6:30 to 9:00

Council Meeting 10:00

Finals at Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center 2:30PM

Closing banquet 7:00

Mon 9/15 Breakfast 6:30 to 9:00

Departures.

Meet Aaron Maniam, Chief Adjudicator

2008-08-27T20:17:00.001-04:00

Aaron Maniam - Chief Adjudicator
Aaron is a civil servant in Singapore's Strategic Policy Office and previously served as First Secretary (Political) in Singapore's Embassy in Washington DC. He was a founding Committee Member (1999-2003), Vice President (2003-2005), President (2005-July 2006) and subsequently Advisor (2006-2007) of Singapore's Debate Association. He won the European Debating Championships (2000) and other inter-varsity competitions during his university days and chaired Oxford's Debates Selection Committee, which comprises the university's top eight debaters. He also convened Oxford's annual inter-varsity debating competition, attended by over 80 international teams, in 1999.

Aaron was a WSDC debater in 1997, an adjudicator in 1999 and 2004, and co-coach in 2003. He has served on working groups to streamline the Code of Conduct for WSDC adjudicators as well as a "Vision Group" to explore how to broaden the WSDC's global ambit. A published poet, his first collection Morning at Memory's Border was published in 2005 and was one of three books shortlisted for the 2006 Singapore Literature Prize.

Hotel Information

2008-08-27T20:14:00.000-04:00

Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport
2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
Arlington, VA 22202
+1 703 418 1234

WSDC 2008 in Washington D.C. is pleased to offer excellent accommodations throughout the competition. The tournament hotel is conveniently located next to public transportation that will allow you to access the city and all it has to offer. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind about accommodations:
(1)Your registration includes lodging in double rooms from September 5-15, 2008.
(2)For additional nights before or after, we can offer you the same rate the tournament is paying. We must inform the hotel ourselves though. At check in, you will provide arrange payment for your extra nights with the hotel. So, please let us know if you need extra nights.