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The Balaka Competition

The Competition

The Balaka Individual Speakers' Competition takes place annually and attracts top-quality speakers from around Britain and indeed the whole of Europe.  Former competitors include Worlds quarter-finalist Derek Lande, Irish Times winner Diarmuid Early, and our very own Worlds semi-finalist Doug Cochran. 

The competition is run on an individuals basis with three speakers per side and 15 minute prep time.  There are three to four rounds throughout the day, breaking to a semi-final.  In the evening, the black-tie final is held at Lower Parliament Hall (former home of Parliament), on South Street.  The motion for the final usually reflects a pressing international issue of the day, and often can be applied to Bangladesh (brush up on your knowledge). 

After the final, guests, speakers, and judges will find themselves at a delicious Bangladeshi feast, sponsored by the Balaka Restaurant.  Enjoying curry over conversation with all of the competitors is one of the highlights of the day.

Our Generous Sponsor -

The Balaka Restaurant and Mr Abdour Rouf

Without our sponsor, The Balaka Restaurant, and in particular it's owner, Mr Abdour Rouf, the Union Debating Society would not be able to hold such a prestigious competition in this small town.  It was Mr Rouf himself who inspired the competition initially, and his continued will and desire to see competitive debating flourish at St Andrews has meant much to the Society.  The hospitality and ever-innovative staff of the Balaka ensure that the competition, reception, and dinner afterwards go smoothly.  The continued support of the Balaka has dramatically increased the quality of debating at St Andrews by allowing us to host a competition with the best and brightest speakers of the day.

Thanks to Mr Rouf, the competition is always heavily attended by important members of the St Andrews community and also by guests from within the country and abroad.  We have had judges and visitors from Bangladesh and London, and each year, the Union Debating Society benefits greatly from the interesting and prestigious guests we are able to speak for and dine with afterwards.

If you have queries about the competition, please contact the Inter'-Varsity Secretary, Miss Laura Mattina.

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