In a few days time, Stuttgart will be stage to the EurOpen 2010, the open European schools debating championship. Students from schools all over the world will flock in the south-western town from 6 to 12 November. University students are not allowed to take part as speakers, but are warmly welcome as judges, as Jana Gilke reports, president of Mannheim Debating Union and co-convenor of EurOpen 2010. Those interested in sharing their experience may write an e-mail to Jana via jana[at]dwtranslations.de.

Eight prelims, quarters and the final take place in Stuttgart while the semi finals will be staged in Tübingen where all participants will travel to for a day trip. Convenor of the competition is the Stuttgart-based Debating Society Germany who have been host of the 2004 World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC). The Debating Society is committed to promoting English debating in German schools.

The EurOpen, formerly known as European Debating Week, will take place in Stuttgart for the 14th time in a row. Teams from all continents are expected in Baden-Württemberg. As Jana told Achte Minute, that there will be 21 international and 11 German teams debating at this EurOpen. The language will be English, the tournament will be held in the format of World Schools Debate. Teams of three compete, one on each side, pro and con. Contrary to university debating, the motions are known before the event starts. The competition allures to students from all over the world, participants must be under twenty. More details on the event and on schools debating is available on the website of Debating Society Germany and via info[at]schoolsdebate.de.

apf / kem / glx