Hundreds of South East primary school students are taking part in the Lions Mad Minute public speaking competition this month. The Lions Club of Mount Gambier initiative is supported by Lions clubs across the region and sees children speaking for one minute on a topic drawn at random.
“Lions Mad Minute is about Year 5 students having fun learning to be engaging, confident and creative speakers,” Mad Minute Co-Ordinator Rory McEwen said. More than 10,000 participation certificates have been awarded since the competition began in 2012.
Just four schools took part in the first year, but most of the region’s public and private schools are now involved. “None of this would happen without the wonderful support from the teachers and students in all those schools,” Mr McEwen said.
Students receive participation certificates and compete for merit certificates and medals. It is mainly for Year 5 students but involves all children in mixed year level classes. The top three Year 5 students from each school progress to district competitions.
The Lower SE Grand Challenge will be held at Mount Gambier High School on June 22, with the Upper SE Grand Challenge at Lucindale Soldiers’ Memorial Hall on June 23.
