The debates continue at CedarBridge Academy with Bermuda’s teams scheduled to debate at 9.25am, 1.30pm and 5.30pm today.National debate team coach Gladstone Thompson said at the end of the second day of the championships that the results so far “proves that there is no substitute for hard work”.“Coaches Christianna Hiles and myself have worked extremely hard to prepare our nine students for the Pan-American debate tournament,” said Mr Thompson.“We saw three wins go in favour for teams Bermuda today. As a result each of the three teams have won at least one debate with one team holding a two-win, one-loss record.“On Friday we will see team Bermuda engage in three debates. Two impromptu and one prepared debate on ‘This house believes that the United States should end sanctions on Cuba’.“I just want the teams to compete well, obviously they have surpassed expectations,” he said.“With three debates to go, Team Bermuda has the potential to do extremely well. Both Christiania and I are elated with the teams’ performances today. Well done, Bermuda!”In the Spanish-speaking competition, four debates have taken place so far, with Peru and Mexico currently leading out of the eight teams.Bermuda Debate Society vice-president and fundraiser Richard Hillen said there are three preliminary rounds today, with each debate lasting roughly one hour.“Bermuda would need to win all three rounds to advance to the semi-finals, so the pressure is on. Bermuda has won four of its nine debates so far,” he said.Today’s round culminates with a reception this evening at Camden House, hosted by Premier Craig Cannonier and Education Minister Nalton Brangman.Mr Hillen said: “It’s a chance for the debaters to meet with some of our key officials, and also some key financial supporters of the tournament.“The semi-finalists will also be announced by the Premier tomorrow at the reception,” he added.“Bermuda is extraordinarily fortunate to have coaches Gladstone Thompson and Christianna Hiles train our young Bermuda students.“Our coaches — like the coaches from the other nations we are hosting — give up countless evenings and weekends to prepare our debaters and enhance their knowledge and skills when competing.“Their dedication is unwavering, and it is thanks to their hard work that we are able to field teams at the international standard. We hope that, at the conclusion of the Championships, students and parents alike will see the value in — and joy of — debating and become involved.”