Limerick City Library and Europe Direct Centre is delighted to announce that it will, for the first time, be hosting the annual Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition.
They are looking for people with an interest in public speaking, debating, politics or current affairs to take part in this exciting and prestigious event.
Entrants are asked to get on their soapbox and talk for 3 minutes in favour or against this year’s motion: ‘There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter’ – in today’s turbulent times, it is more important than ever to build a better future by voting in the EU Parliament Elections.
There are 2 age categories for the competition – aged 16 and under & aged 17 and over. The prize for each category winner of the Limerick regional competition is a Samsung tablet and the opportunity to go forward to the national Soapbox final in Dublin in late November/early December where the overall prize will be €1,000.
Senior Executive Librarian at Limerick City and County Council, Brenda Frawley is inviting entries, saying, “public debate is the lifeblood of a vibrant democracy and so we are delighted to be hosting the regional final public speaking competition at Limerick City Library. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone with a passion for debate, politics or current affairs to stand up and be counted. The competition invites entrants to scrutinise electoral systems, discuss voter accessibility, and grapple with the evolving nature of political participation.”
Application forms are available online here or by email from [email protected]. The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday, November 01 and the application form can be emailed to the City Library’s Europe Direct Centre – [email protected] – or dropped in at the Library’s main reception desk.
The competition itself will take place in the Library a week later on Wednesday, November 8th from 6pm where an expert panel of judges will decide the winners in each category.
Refreshments will be served and it should be an entertaining and informative evening for all ages.
Source: Limerick City & County Council
