By Vanya Zlateva | Executive Director
A new year has started with in-person and online events, and the BEST community is becoming stronger than ever.
The Debate Summer Camp in Lozen was nothing short of exhilarating! We still remember the energy in the air as we welcomed 30 passionate students from 17 different schools, some of whom were experiencing the BEST debate community for the first time. It was a diverse mix, and that really set the stage for a week of lively discussions and newfound friendships.
Every day felt like an adventure. Picture this: students engaged in spirited debates over hot-button issues like the refugee resettlement system and whether parents should need a license to have children. It was incredible to see them dive deep into these topics, bringing their unique perspectives and experiences into the conversation. Watching them sharpen their argumentation skills in real time was truly inspiring.
Our main goal was to give these students a solid foundation in rhetoric and critical inquiry. We immersed them in the world of World Schools Debate, from teamwork dynamics to mastering the art of rebuttals and understanding logical fallacies.
The camp director and facilitators brought so much passion to their lectures, and our four guest speakers added an extra layer of excitement. They shared invaluable insights on efficient debate prep and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in our discussions. The buzz in the room when they talked about the National Debate Team was infectious; you could see the students' eyes light up with ambition and possibility.
For us, the most rewarding part was seeing the students grow over the week. Their confidence blossomed as they learned to articulate their thoughts more effectively and engage with challenging ideas. It was a week filled with laughter, learning, and camaraderie—one we won’t soon forget!
Looking ahead, Best Foundation can't wait to plan more camps like this. We are eager to build on this momentum and continue fostering a space where young debaters can thrive.
At the end of September, we kicked off our fourth Coach Training in Sofia, and what an incredible event it was! Over three dynamic days (September 20-22), we brought together 50 coaches from 45 schools.
We focused on integrating the new coaches into the BEST framework, emphasizing the vital role of team building in effective coaching. We clearly outlined key roles and responsibilities, ensuring everyone understood their impact on the program. The energy in the room was palpable as new coaches engaged in live performances across various categories like Duo, Poetry, and Prose, allowing them to experience event formats and presentation styles firsthand. One of the most enriching parts of the training was our introduction to debate. Through interactive Q&A sessions, coaches expanded their knowledge of different competitive formats.
The tournament’s season successfully started with the online Speech and Debate Tournament "Lynch Cup” which returned with a bang for its second consecutive year! Eight spirited teams, made up of 26 passionate participants, clashed in four dynamic rooms. The air was thick with anticipation as they tackled hot-button issues, including whether individual actions can truly change the world, the impact of hustle culture, and the implications of banning political parties.
Each debate transformed into a thrilling contest of intellect and persuasion, judged by an impressive panel of eight experts—six from Bulgaria, one from India, and one from Ghana. Their diverse perspectives added depth to the evaluations, making every round a showcase of creativity and critical thinking. The Lynch Cup was more than just a tournament; it was a celebration of ideas, determination, and the power of debate!
We can’t wait for the first two regional Debate Tournament – Fall West and Fall East which will be held in next couple of weeks!
Dear friends,
Thank you all for your incredible support! The magic of our work wouldn't be possible without you!
We would be truly grateful if you could share our GlobalGiving link with your friends and consider continuing your support with monthly donations. We're growing rapidly, and we need you more than ever!
Your contributions make a significant impact in the lives of every student who participates in our tournaments, and we are so thankful to have you as our champion!
By Vanya Zlateva | Executive Director
By Vanya Zlateva | Executive Director
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