Rookie Georgian debate team shines in tournament

Feb. 27, 2019

The newly established Georgian College Debating Society competed in its first varsity tournament Feb. 8 to 10 at the University of Waterloo.

Although the Georgian team was comprised entirely of novice debaters, the Grizzlies held their own against tough opposition and won their final debate in the 2019 Seagram Invitational Debate Tournament.

Students Allysha Miller and Nick Thompson debated with conviction on a variety of current issues and topics – including gender, immigration and post-colonialism – in full Canadian parliamentary style.

The tournament was for pros and novices who compete as part of the Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate (CUSID). McMaster University, Queen’s University, University of Toronto and Western University were represented.

“Georgian is the first college in Ontario to win a debate round at a CUSID-sponsored event,” says Dr. Daniel Travers, one of the team’s faculty advisors. “We’re so proud of Allysha and Nick for making history.”

The Georgian College Debating Society was created in 2017 from interested students in the General Arts and Sciences program and has since expanded to include students from all Georgian programs.

The group meets once a week, alternating on Wednesday and Friday evenings, and will be holding an Open House on Wednesday, March 6 at 6 p.m. in H214 at the Barrie Campus. Any registered Georgian students who are interested in learning how to debate are welcome to attend.

“Debating for fun is a great way to work on your critical thinking and public speaking skills — two skills that today’s employers demand,” says Dr. Travers.

Email georgiandebatesociety@outlook.com for more information.