FOR James Ekron just having the opportunity to travel overseas and debate against the finest young public speakers from around the world was something he will not forget. Winning second place was an added bonus.
“The experience was really great and I met a lot of people and made new friends from all over the world,” said James, who is currently a second year law student at Rhodes University. “I was selected by the university (Rhodes) to take part in the competition.”
He, along with five other students from Rhodes University, jetted off to Ireland on Christmas day to compete in the prestigious contest. On Monday, January 5, he returned a hero in the South African debating world.
“Parallel to the debating competition, a public speaking competition was held for individuals and we spoke about all sorts of different topics. I gave it my best and I came second out of a lot of respectable and recognised public speakers.
“The competitor who came first was from the University of Sydney in Canada,” said James, who spoke on ‘a school of philosophical thought’.
Being from South Africa made the experience that much more rewarding for James as he had never been abroad. Seeing people of different nationalities was a real eye opener as well.
“In two years’ time the competition will be held in Botswana and I will definitely be there .
“I would never miss out on an opportunity to be among the finest debaters in the world,” said James.
He extended a special thanks to Rhodes University and the two families, the Bishops and Wulffs, who assisted him in raising the required funds needed to take part in the contest.
Story by Lerato Pholo
Source: The Daily Dispatch, 22 January 2009