Teams from Varna and Burgas battle it out in BEST Foundation’s 2022 Debate Showcase

On the 5th of March BEST Foundation held its first ever debate showcase. The occasion was a chance for the friends and partners of the organization to reunite in person for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The event was held in The Steps, which the Single Step Foundation graciously hosted us in. It was a chance for “BEST” to establish new partnerships, showcase our talented students and celebrate just how far our debate category has come. 

Two of our most successful teams from Varna and Burgas competed against each other debating for and against the usage of data as currency. After a heated battle the opposition team from “Geo Milev” English Language School in Burgas managed to secure the victory and were awarded medals. Afterwards everybody attending had the chance to enjoy a social hour, mingle and share their impressions. 

The two teams were facing off in front of a panel of judges from renowned Bulgarian law firms such as New Balkans Law Office, Delchev & Partners,  and Kinstellar. Julia Lynch, our debate coordinator, provided all judges with training prior the start of the event. Our debaters left a very positive impression on them, as Maria-Magdalena Markova from  Delchev and Partners says: “We need more young people like [those who participated in the debate] this, engaged in the political and the social. Very proud!”

Some of our alumni, as well as our trusted partners from Fulbright Commission, America for Bulgaria, U.S. Embassy, and Trust for Social Achievement also attended the showcase and expressed their happiness at being able to meet our community again after such a long period of online events. It’s thanks to their endless support that BEST continues to grow and improve. Ms.Iliana Dimitrova, Fulbright Bulgaria said:  “It was so refreshing to see part of the BEST community together again after such a long period of online events. The motion was current and both teams were very well prepared, the speakers were eloquent and fun to listen to!”. 

If you missed out on the livestream of the event, don’t fret as you have the opportunity to enjoy it online. Also, if you would like to watch and judge future performers, mark your calendar for the 16th of April when our biggest competition, the 2022 National Tournament will be held.