KCKCC is hosting the National Parliamentary Debate Association National Tournament March 14 to 17.
More than 155 teams from 51 colleges and universities are attending including those from William Jewell, Washburn University, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Central Missouri, Missouri Western State University, Lewis and Clark College, Northwest College, Abilene Christian, University of Utah, Lower Columbia College, University of Oregon, University of Washington, Texas Tech and California State University-Los Angeles, among others.
Rounds will take place in every classroom and conference room on the KCKCC main campus, 7250 State Ave. Not only is this the first time KCKCC has hosted a national debate tournament, but it is the first time that any community college has hosted the tournament.
“This has been really exciting,” said Darren Elliott, KCKCC debate coach and tournament organizer. “There have been some challenges, but we could not have done any of this without the entire campus behind us. I feel like at a lot of national tournaments, the campus that is hosting is not very enthusiastic. It has been great because everyone has gotten behind this event.”
Parliamentary debate is an extemporaneous, policy-orientated debate. Teams consist of two people – one team represents the government or affirms the resolution while the second team represents the opposition. While students are presenting arguments supporting their position, they must also refute the argument of the other team. Teams are only given 15 minutes to prepare before the round begins.
The tournament kicks off Saturday with a reception at the KCI Marriott. The Opening Assembly is at 4 p.m. A public debate between the NPDA team and the Irish National Team begins at 4:45 p.m.
Sunday, the tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Upper Jewell Lounge, with rounds scheduled throughout the day. KCKCC Media Services will be live streaming one room during each round every day of the competition as well as the final round at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Upper Jewell. All of the rounds are open to the public. A schedule can be found at www.parlidebate.org. Select the 2015 NPDA Invite along the menu bar. The schedule can be found on Page 9.
“I think it says a lot about the national recognition of our program and the faith the national committee has in us to host this tournament,” Elliott said. “It is great exposure for KCKCC and gives local high school students the opportunity to come watch rounds in a national collegiate tournament.”
For more information on the National Parliamentary Debate Association National Tournament, contact Darren Elliott at delliott@kckcc.edu.
