Debaters Kick Off Youth Week With a Bang

Media Release: Sunday 20 May 2007

Debaters Kick Off Youth Week With a Bang

Tonight Christchurch 2021 mayoral candidate, Megan Woods awarded prizes to the winners of the Christchurch Press Secondary Schools Debating Championship held in Grand Hall of the Canterbury Provincial Council Chambers. The weekend long competition involved 18 schools and was won by St Margaret's College negating the motion ŒThis House would make tertiary education free for graduates who stay in New Zealand' in a hotly contested final with St Bedes College.

Woods was full of praise, saying "This event is a fitting start to Youth Week. The tournament showcased fantastically talented young Christchurch people."

Woods has a long association with the competition, being a finalist in and recipient of the best speaker of the tournament award in 1991. This started her on the road to representing Canterbury debating at school, university, and adult level. "Debating teaches you to weigh the evidence and see both sides of an argument. I know these skills will stand these bright young people in good stead for whatever their futures hold".

Six students were selected to represent Canterbury in the national secondary tournament to be held in Wellington. The team are: Becky Ardagh (St Margaret's College) Simon Inder (St Bede's College) Vincent Jagers (St Bede's College) Ben Land Maycock (Christ's College) Claire Martin (St Margaret's College) and Anton Smith (Christ's College). With reserves: Jeremy Bell-Connell (Christchurch Boys' High School) Jenna Donaldson (Villa Maria College) and Justyna Giejsztowt (Papanui High School). The winner of the CSU Trophy for Best Speaker of the Tournament was Becky Ardagh (St Margaret's College).

ENDS

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