• History of the CSDF
• Mission Statement
• CSDF Directors
• Governor General Patron

• Français

• Home
• Events Calendar
• Membership
• McLeese Opportunities
• Resources
• Links
•  
• National Seminar
• Senior Nationals
• Junior Nationals
• World Championships
• • Introduction
  • Previous Teams
  • Team Canada 2010
  • Selection Process
  • Resources
• International Tournaments

GREECE 2009

Our team of Tim Abdulla, Pam Cohen, Sam Greene , Iqbal Kassam and Daniel Lewis, under the leadership of coach Tracey Lee acquitted themselves extremely well at the 2009 WSDC tournament in Athens .  At the end of the eight preliminary rounds we were standing in 6^th position, having had only one loss and seven wins.  The octo-final presented no problems but in the quarter finals we were up against , the only team who had beaten us during the preliminary wounds.  Alas, we were not to get our revenge and went down to an excellent team who finally won the entire tournament with a resounding 7 – 1 win over. We remained in 6^th position but were delighted that in the individual speakers’ competition all five of our speakers finished in the top 50, with Iqbal Kassam in the top 10.

Congratulations to our team and coach.

 

2009 Team

Following the National Team training camp that took place in Halifax from July 6th to 10th the following debaters were selected to represent Canada at the 2009 World Schools debating Championships that will be held February 9th-19th in Athens, Greece.

Tim Abdulla, Manitoba
Born 16 long years ago on a cold winter night in snowy Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tim Abdulla began his first six years of life in a small town in rural Manitoba . Today, Tim attends St. John's-Ravenscourt School in the somewhat larger city of Winnipeg . When not debating, Tim enjoys sporadically napping, and, occasionally, when not sleeping, he can be coaxed into some kind of physical activity. Tim is looking forward to a very successful year debating for Team .

Iqbal Kassam, British Columbia

A grade 11 student from West Point Grey Academy in Vancouver, Iqbal discovered debating in his first year of high school, and since then, has competed in a variety of provincial, national, and international tournaments in cities ranging from New York to Athens . Aside from debating, Iqbal is a talented baroque violinist and notorious for being extremely absent minded. Iqbal hopes to bring some youth, culture, and good looks to the 2009 Canadian national team.

Sam Greene, Newfoundland & Labrador
A grade 11 student in St. John’s Newfoundland , Sam Greene is delighted to be a member of the national team. Since starting debate in the 8th grade, he has competed at the national and international levels in places as far flung as . Outside debate, Sam is an active jazz trumpeter and singer, and a member of several nationally acclaimed performing groups. Grandson of a sea captain, Sam looks forward to bringing a distinctive Newfoundland flavor to the team.

Pam Cohen, Ontario
A grade 12 student currently attending Richmond Hill High School in Toronto and West Point Grey Academy in Toronto and Vancouver respectively, Pam brings a unique textbook-esque dimension to the team. Captaining three varsity sports teams at her high school, Pam is credited with initiating impromptu football games at inopportune moments of debate tournaments and keeping the team fit. Debating since the ninth grade, Pam has traveled the country competing at regional, provincial, national and international competitions. Representing her country at the World Championships is an opportunity she awaits with great anticipation.

Daniel Lewis, Nova Scotia

Daniel is a grade 11 student at the Halifax Grammar School . He started debating in grade 8, and qualified for Junior Nationals at his first tournament. In grade 9 he began debating much more seriously, and has been traveling across the country debating since then. When not debating or participating in other academic pursuits, Daniel is training for cross country or middle distance track, competing at the provincial level. Daniel also enjoys backcountry skiing and orienteering. The areas of expertise that he brings to the team include military history and European football.

National coach - Ms. Tracey Lee

Team - Pan American Debate Championship April 2008

The following debaters represented at the Pan American in April 2008.

Michelle Chiu, British Columbia
Michelle Chiu is a grade 12 student in the IB Diploma Programme at West Vancouver Secondary School .  She enjoys a broad range of activities, including Reach for the Top, Model United Nations, playing the piano, curling, and volunteering.  Michelle also has a passion for international travel, and loves exploring different cultures and languages.  Her dream is to become a pediatrician and later join the World Health Organization.

Scott Stirrett, Nova Scotia .
Scott Stirrett is a grade 11 student from the Halifax Grammar School .  Scott has been debating since Grade 8.  When Scott’s not debating, he likes to golf, ski, play board games, play video games, and follow politics.  Scott is interested in pursuing a career in business, politics, or foreign relations. 

Shalini Rao, Nova Scotia . Team Captain
A reformed Newfoundlander, Shalini currently attends Sacred Heart School of Halifax. In her spare time, Shalini enjoys playing soccer, tennis, and partaking in recreational falafel. In the future, Shalini sees herself as the self-employed owner of a trendy Indian boutique called "The Urban Turban".