Rotarians’ event showcases students’ skills (From Dorset Echo)

Rotarians’ event showcases students’ skills

4:30pm Friday 15th March 2013 in News By Charlotte Collins

YOUNG speakers were in fine voice as Rotarians held an event to showcase local talent.

The Rotary Youth Speaks semi final was hosted by the Dorchester Rotary Club with youngsters from across the county attending.

The event held in Puddletown saw seven teams of 11- to 13-year-olds compete for a chance to go on and battle for the overall title in Bath in a fortnight’s time.

The high standard of entries led to the adjudicators Andrew Williams and Gill Fozard being pushed to decide on the winners.

The overall verdict saw Beam-inster win, with The Gryphon School from Sherborne coming in second place.

The competitors provided the audience with entertainment, with interesting topics ranging from football to Barbie dolls.

In addition to the overall title, personal achievement was also recognised with best individual speaker being awarded to Callum Morley from the Gryphon School and best chair was awarded to J.J Gale from the winning Beaminster team.

Park School pupil Lois Froud also came away with the title of best proposer of the vote of thanks.

The event was aimed to provide an opportunity for young people to get involved with public speaking and learn an important life skill as well as showcasing their talents.

District governor Peter Nobel said: “Each year, thousands of young people take part in events that culminate in the regional and RIBI (Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland) finals to which participants travel throughout the British Isles to take part.

“It is a wonderful demonstration of the achievement of those taking part and a great experience of their speaking talent.”

President of the Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club Lorr-aine Wong added: “RIBI has, for many years, run public speaking competitions for young people.

“Public speaking is an important life skill.”