Hi all,
There are four weeks of Uni left this year before the study break which means there are four weeks of debating left. We're doing something a little special and a little different with those weeks.
This email contains information about:
1) AGM Results
2) BP Pro-Am Tournament
3) Final Night Dinner
4) NZ BP Open Tournament
1) AGM Results:
This past Thursday saw the annual Debsoc AGM, which will probably go down in history as our longest AGM yet. Thanks to everyone who made it and lasted the distance.
Thanks to everyone who ran for positions as well. It was one of the more contested AGM's we have had in a long time, which is a testament to the level of passion and enthusiasm that exists in the Soceity this year.
I would like to congratulate and announce the following members of the 2009 Debsoc Exec:
President: Brad Ward
Vice President: George Minton
Treasurer: Mark Tushingham
General Member in Charge of Women's and Minorities: Stephanie Thompson
General Exec Members: Max Harris, Craig Riddell and James Ruddell.
We also granted two of our long-serving members 'Life Membership Status'. They are Jordan Ward and James Little. Both Jordan and James have done an incredible amount for university debating on an organisational level as well as being two people who have consistently performed well for the Society at tournaments. We thank them for everything they have done and congratulate them on their appointment as Life Members.
2) Starting this Thursday we will be launching the BP Pro Am Tournament.
What is BP Debating?
BP stands for 'British Parliamentary' and is the style of debating used at Worlds and at the NZ BP Open Tournament coming up in November. Each team has two speakers and each debate has four teams (an "Opening Government, Opening Opposition, Closing Government and Closing Opposition). At the end teams are ranked from 1-4 and get points accordingly.
How will it work?
If you're interested in participating, find a partner and email in to us with your team. Each debate will have 30 minutes preparation time, during which you will have fifteen minutes with a 'pro' debater who will help the team prepare it's case.
This coming Thursday (2 October) will be round one, followed by round two on Thursday 9 October and round three on Thursday 16 October. Thursday 24 October will be the grand final, which will be a fitting way to close out the year.
More information about the BP style will be sent out early next week and we will do a short presentation before round one.
In the meantime, if you would like to register and enter just email us and let us know so we can have everything ready to go.
For those not interested in competing there will be some normal 3v3 debates as well.
3) Final Night Dinner
Arguably the only thing better than our Opening Night function is the Final Night Dinner. This year it will be held on Friday 25 October. Keep that night free and get ready for an epic night of cheap ethnic food, BYO goodness, fun people and memorable times!
4) NZ BP Open Tournament:
Is an annual tournament held in Wellington and hosted by Vic Debsoc. This year it will take place from 28 Nov - 30 Nov. There will be four prelim rounds on the Saturday and then one final prelim round, semis and the final on the Sunday.
The tournament this year is being sponsored by the New Zealand Business Roundtable, an organisation comprising major business firms committed to contributing to the development of sound public policy for New Zealand. Their significant financial contribution to the tournament means we'll be able to provide awesome food, bar tabs and functions this year.
Registration will include lunch on Saturday, dinner on Saturday night, a cooked brunch on Sunday, a cocktail reception after the Grand Final, and functions on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.
There is no team cap so we can send as many teams as we want! For this tournament you organize your own partner so there will be no trials. If you want to come just send us an email!
That's all for now folks,
Brad
