The team’s excellent result is the reason why 2018 World Schools Debating Championship will take place in Zagreb and Slovenia.
The Croatian team comprising of Marija Jarnjak, Hrvoje Kožić, Alma Džafić, Maja Roglić and Igor Fras, mentored by Bojan Marjanović and Anastazija Stupar, won bronze in the ESL (English as Second Language) category at 2017 World Schools Debating Championhip in Bali.
“This is the first time we entered the eliminating round, winning third place in the ESL category. In addition to the great result by the team, Marija Jarnjak and Hrvoje Kožić also won bronze medals for their individual performances,” Anastazija Stupar said, adding that their results keep improving each year. “We haven’t always been able to participate in these types of events because it is expensive, but the City of Zagreb helped us and we are immensely grateful.”
Hrvatsko debatno društvo, Facebook
Coach Stupar said that the competition was strong and the topics were complex. “Our students and their opponents debated the future of NATO and Russia, making syndicate membership obligatory, limiting the spread of international supermarket chains, removing war monuments, and various other current topics, and they won six times in total.”
Hrvoje Kožić and Alma Džafić said that it was interesting to participate in the event and that, in addition to continuous practice, they had spent a month training intensely for the Championship. “We are happy that we were better than Greece and Germany, two teams which were considered favourites,” Hrvoje added.
Alma added that she was happy that the media covered the event because, as she pointed out, it can help them promote what they do. “Debate can make your lives richer, it is very useful, and we’re happy that people were interested in our results.”
Hrvatsko debatno društvo
Another important thing to note is that the 2018 World Schools Debating Championship will take place in Zagreb (8 days) and Slovenia (2 days), with 600 participants from more than 60 countries from around the world, said Croatian Debate Society President Bojan Marjanović.
The event will be organised under the auspices of Zagreb Mayor, Mr Milan Bandić, President of the Republic of Croatia, Ms Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, President of Slovenia, Mr Borut Pahor, Ljubljana Mayor, Mr Zoran Janković, and Zagreb Tourist Board. Find out more about the event in the official leaflet.
“We are glad that many Croatian students will be able to witness their peers’ skills, which could spark their interest for debate as well, inspiring them to form debate clubs in their schools as well.”
Mayor Bandić congratulated the students and coaches for their accomplishment, adding that he was very pleased that we have their success to thank for Zagreb hosting the event next year.
“The City of Zagreb will give you all the support you need for the championship to be as successful as possible because this is a great way of promoting our country, just as your success it a great example of how you love and promote Croatia.”
