2023 has just begun, but thanks to Ateneo Debate Society, it seems like we’re off to a great start.
Last Wednesday, January 4, 2023, Ateneo de Manila University’s (ADMU) debate team won the gold medal in the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) held in Madrid, Spain.
The Philippine team defeated student teams from Princeton University, Brown University, Harvard University, and many more colleges around the world. That’s how big this distinction is.
“The Ateneo Debate Society is proud to congratulate Ateneo A, David Africa and Toby Leung, for winning the World Universities Debating Championship. The World Universities Debating Championship is one of the largest and most diverse university level-majors, hailing teams from all around the world,” said the Ateneo Debate Society in their congratulatory post on their Facebook page.
Many Filipino personalities and pages congratulated the Philippine representatives as soon as the news broke.
WORLD DEBATE CHAMPIONS 🇵🇭🏆
Congratulations to the Ateneo Debate Team for winning the World Universities Debating Championship!
An extraordinary feat — the first time the Philippines bagged the championship in this international debate tournament.
We are so proud of you! 🦅💙 pic.twitter.com/X5Zv9TTG2V
— Kiko Pangilinan (@kikopangilinan) January 4, 2023
MAGIS UPDATE: The Ateneo Debate Society are World Champions as they win the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) held in Madrid, Spain. This is the Philippines' first-ever title in the competition's 43-year history. pic.twitter.com/g9FntK1d1Z
— The GUIDON (@TheGUIDON) January 4, 2023
The world's best debaters are from Ateneo de Manila! 💙
One Big Congratulations Ateneo A, composed of David Africa and Toby Leung, CHAMPION, World Universities Debating Championship 2023!
Go @AteneoDebate! One Big Fight! #OBF
— Team AMDG (@TeamAMDG) January 3, 2023
🏆 THE BEST IN THE WORLD 🏆
Congratulations to Ateneo Debate Society (Ateneo A) composed of David Africa and Toby Leung for winning the World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) 2023 in Madrid, Spain. pic.twitter.com/PgjSYnxXF9
— Office of Student Activities – Ateneo (@ateneo_osa) January 4, 2023
Nakakapanindig-balahibo ang quote! @KabataanPL will work on and file a House resolution to recognize our world-class young debaters 👏✊ pic.twitter.com/6xHoG1yOVl
— Raoul Manuel #Kabataan (@iamRaoulManuel) January 5, 2023
HISTORY MADE! 🇵🇭
Congratulations to the Ateneo Debate Society for winning the World Universities Debating Championship!
Nakakaproud kayo! Thank you bringing honor not just to our school but to our country! OBF! 🦅💙 pic.twitter.com/SSZpMqtj4P
— Bam Aquino (@bamaquino) January 5, 2023
Ateneo won in the most prestigious debating tournament in the world. Many are happy with this development, both in and outside of the debate world. To help understand the scope and importance of this feat, I will explain a piece of competitive debating in a thread 🧵 (1/5)
— Aron (@aronnoaaron) January 4, 2023
This was the third consecutive year that the organization made a finals appearance, according to the Ateneo Debate Society.
Hopefully, the Philippine government will also start looking at other areas where Filipinos can build expertise on and really excel at, such as sports leagues other than basketball, and other studies and disciplines.
Congratulations on your historic win, Ateneo Debate Society!
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