Oratorical Contest

 Oratorical Contest

The Optimist Club of Oakville sponsors an annual Oratorical Contest in March of each year.  The topic this year is: “How to Change the World with Optimism”. Entrants must be under 19 years of age by October 2023 and have not yet graduated from high school. Interested students should prepare a 4-5 minute speech on the assigned topic. Further information about the contest is contained in the Entry Form and Official Rules which can be found on our Club website - oakvilleoptimistclub.com/oratorical.

 

Cash prizes of 1st Place $500.00, 2nd Place $350.00 and 3rd Place $150.00 will be awarded by the Club. In addition, the top two contestants will represent Oakville at the Zone competition with the opportunity to advance to the District level where the top three contestants will be awarded scholarships in the amounts of $2500, $1500, and $1000. The winner of the District level will advance to compete at the World Championships in St. Louis, Missouri. Scholarships in the amount of $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000 will be given to the first, second, and third place winners of this event. The ultimate winner will receive over $22,500 in scholarships.

 

The Oakville contest will be held at Film.ca Theater 171 Speers Rd. on Wednesday March 6 at 6:30pm..

 

Please note that the completed application must be emailed to the Contest Chair, michelle@opnc.ca together with a copy of the applicant’s speech, birth certificate or passport, and received by Wednesday, February 28, 2024- deadline for entries.  An acknowledgement and confirmation of entry will be emailed on receipt of the application.

 

This contest is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Oakville, which has been serving Oakville youth since 1948. The contest is designed to give students an opportunity to share their opinions. The speech can relate to a young person’s personal experience, the experience of the community or a researched perspective. In addition to developing skills for critical thinking and oral expression, participants have the opportunity to win a college scholarship! Any questions and applications may be directed to the Contest Chair, Michelle Knoll at michelle@opnc.ca