Eight students from the University of Aberdeen will tomorrow continue the University tradition of competing in European and worldwide debating championships when they take part in the European Universities Debating Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.
The three teams and two judges will join over 80 other student teams from 17 countries at the University of Zagreb, Croatia for the European Debating Championship this weekend (Friday March 28 - Tuesday April 1, 2003). All competitors in the knock out competition will take part in six rounds of debate before the final on Tuesday. Topics for discussion will only be made know to the teams 15 minutes before they are due to speak.
Nerissa Drennan, one of the participants said: "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the University at a European level. Hopefully we will do well in this prestigious championship and allow us to further raise our profile on the UK debating circuit."
Aberdeen is currently one of the top debating unions in Britain with teams regularly competing in UK and European competitions. Recent successes include winning the Edinburgh University Debating Competition in December 2002 and runner up in the John Smith Scottish Mace Championships earlier this year. The University of Aberdeen Debater is the oldest student organisation on campus, founded in 1848. In addition to weekly meetings during term time, the Debater is in the process of setting up a schools outreach programme and has recently introduced a successful local schools debating competition.
Aberdeen Alumni that participated in Debater competitions whilst studying include Robin Harper MSP, leader of the Scottish Green Party and Rami Okasha, leader of NUS Scotland.