WPGA Debater at the World Individual Debate & Speech Championships
By Ms. T. Lee, Debate Coach
Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning, England hosted some of the finest high school debaters from March 28th-April 3rd at the World Individual Debate and Public Speaking Championships, (WIDPSC). The ’Worlds’, as it is affectionately known, concentrates on four disciplines: impromptu speaking, prepared speech-making, debate and interpretive reading; anyone who masters all of these may be hailed a true orator.
From its quiet beginnings, the Worlds have grown to include countries from every part of the globe from all countries who have the aspiration to succeed in the English language. This year, the competition welcomed 100 competitors from over 15 countries, including teams from South Africa, Australia, Germany, the USA and Lithuania. Canada sent a team of 12 students and has an enviable reputation of being the “powerhouse” of debate at this competition.
West Point Grey student, Iqbal Kassam (Gr. 11), joined the Canadian team after spending most of his spring break at the Harvard Model Congress in Brussels. In spite of all the chocolates and waffles, he advanced to two finals in impromptu speech and debate. In the Grand Finals of debate, he faced tough competition from the English and South African debaters, but he managed to prevail and took first in debate, earning him the title of Top Parliamentary Speaker at the Worlds Individuals!
Iqbal becomes the third WPGA student in four years to compete at the Worlds, following in the footsteps of alumni Andrew Rusk (’06/’07) and graduating debate captain, Helenaz Hajifattahi (’08).
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