Doug Feagin OS is the first Etonian to have been chosen to represent England in the World Schools' Debating Championships next summer. Doug (PGW) was selected from around 200 candidates to make up a part of the team of four.
From January he and his team mates will meet every weekend to practice or compete, in the run-up to the July competition in Singapore. England will be the defending champions and will face teams from around 50 other countries in the contest.
Some of the subjects for the competition will be pre-prepared but others will be given to the teams an hour before they have to take to the floor. It means the England team is practising debates on a wide-range of subjects in readiness for the event.
“I’m really excited, it’s lots of work but that work is very interesting and fun to do,” said Doug who is in B Block. “Everything which is remotely controversial is worth learning about.”
Doug’s success reflects a growing resurgence in debating at Eton, which includes a thriving Debating Society. On the same weekend that he attended the England team trial he was joined by three other Etonians, while a further 16 were taking part in competitions elsewhere.
