Youth Speaks: A Debate Competition

Budding speakers as young as 11 displayed their talents to an impressed audience and
judging panel in the second round of the Rotary Youth Speaks: A Debate Competition
hosted by Brit Valley Rotary.
After an entertaining evening of the debate, the winning team emerged victorious in the senior
category, after they made their case for “The UK no longer being a developed country”. Blowing
the judges away. In the Intermediate category, the winning team claimed the prize after winning
their debate about” Animal testing for pharmaceuticals should be banned”.
The competition aims to provide young people the experience of researching and speaking on a
public platform as a member of a team about a topic or issue they care about, as well as the
opportunity to learn and practice high standards of expression, presentation, and appearance.
The schools competing included Beaminster School, The Sir John Colfox Academy and Sunninghill
School at Dorchester. This year’s event was hosted at Beaminster School on the Wednesday 21 st
February 2024.
Phil Payne, Chair of Brit Valley Vocational team, commented, “It’s so inspiring to see so many
talented young speakers excelling in a competitive environment. It is encouraging that
competitions like this are still running this successfully and proving Rotary can be a real force in
improving the futures of young people.”
“Young people are so passionate about the issues and topics they care about, and that shone
through with their presentations.”
After winning the competition, a member of the winning team said, “[Having my team chosen by
professionals is just amazing. I couldn’t be more thankful for the support from Rotary that I
received. This took a lot of time and effort, but it was more than worth it, thank you for the support
and guidance.].”
After winning the local heat, the winners will now go on to the second of four stages on the road to
the national final, where they will face off in the same tasks against the winners from other schools
from District 1200 at The Kings of Wessex School, Cheddar on Saturday 2nd March.
The Rotary Youth Speaks: A Debate Competition is one of eight nationwide competitions for young
people ages 11-17 that are organised by Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland every year.
These competitions are a great way for young people to be challenged in a fun and friendly
environment. Rotary is committed to offering them opportunities to unlock their potential, develop
their skills, and broaden their horizons.

If you would like to get involved in next year’s competition or any other Rotary events near you,
contact www.britvalleyrotary.com to find out more.
To get involved in Rotary and make a difference in your community, visit www.rotarygbi.org/join