They will be putting their knowledge and skills to the test when they go head-to-head with some of the finest young talent in international debating circles.

But as far as the Dynamic Debaters are concerned, the Heart of Europe Debating Tournament is much more than just a competition.

The team is this month heading out to Czechia, the renamed Czech Republic, where they will represent the island arguing on topics such as beliefs, social values, government policies, economics and problems of the world.

Dynamic Debaters team manager Gladstone Thompson, principal of St David’s Primary, who has engaged in debate for 25 years, believes the students will gain numerous benefits from their experience.

“It makes you a better person. You can understand both sides of an argument and become less confrontational,” he said, adding that debate has an “impact on who you become as an adult”.

Members of the team can already see how debate has helped them in their school work.

Rychus Symonds, 13, who attends Sandys Secondary Middle School and joined because of his dream of becoming a prosecutor, explained that many aspects of debate run parallel to what he has to do as a student. “In debate, you take down notes, you research topics, and you make presentations,” he said.

Robert Thomas, 15, a Berkeley Institute student and a long-time member of the team, said: “The effects are visible.”

He added: “Debate expands your horizons and gives me a competitive edge against other students.”

Being on the team has allowed him to travel to several countries, such as Vancouver, Canada and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

While the Heart of Europe Debating Tournament is mostly an “out-of-pocket” event, Mr Thompson called it a “personal investment”. Some of the team members have received donations and stipends from their churches.

He described the tournament as “developmental” and a “cultural exchange”, allowing the teams involved to experience other cultures, meet new friends, and learn about the history of Czechia.

“It gives Bermudian students a better appreciation for what they have and gives them a better global outlook,” he added.

Assistant team manager and team adjudicator Arleen Swan said: “It gives them a better understanding of what current issues are.

“They see that Bermuda does not operate in isolation.”

The tournament will take place from July 13 to 18. This year will be the second time Bermuda has entered. Teams are sent the list of topics, or motions, beforehand, but head coach Glenn Simmons said that the team would be practising for both the “prepared motions” and the “improvised motions”.

This year’s motions revolve around subjects such as the United States shifting its foreign policy towards co-operation with Russia, as well as the culture of violence against women and girls being a serious threat to sustainable development.

• Those wanting to join the Dynamic Debaters, or simply want more information, can e-mail dynamicgladstone1@gmail.com