On 22 November 2025, we hosted an unforgettable Pro-Am community event that brought together laughter, learning, and lively discussions. The initiative showcased the power of collaboration as pro debaters teamed up with talented young minds to spark creativity and confidence.

This event gave the amateur debaters an exclusive chance to learn from the best school debaters in Hong Kong (the pros), and our world-class coaches.

Team gathering: Pros and Ams come together with their coach for a fun group photo!

Learning from the Pros

Our pros, members of the Hong Kong National and Development Teams, paired with enthusiastic students for engaging rounds that blended expertise with fresh perspectives. These dynamic pairings allowed participants to experience high-level debating firsthand and learn how top debaters think on their feet.

For this event, the pro debaters were: Audrey L. (HKIS), Gemma Y. (KGV), Gwyneth C. (DGS), Jimi F. (CIS), Kelly A. (SPCC), Mollie M. (HKIS), Ryan Q. (HKIS), Samuel K. (CIS), Tony S. (CIS), Yeonseo K. (GSIS).

Snapshot shows: A pro debater sharing notes with partnered Ams, guiding them through strategies.

The energy in the room was electric as students absorbed advanced strategies and techniques while contributing their own ideas. This unique format gave young debaters the confidence to experiment and grow, making the event both fun and deeply educational.

Feedback from Coaches

Beyond the debates, coaches provided developmental feedback tailored to each participant’s performance. Their constructive insights focused on argument structure, delivery, and critical thinking, helping students identify areas for improvement.

Photo captures: Coach giving comments on debate strategies.

This personalized guidance was a highlight of the evening, ensuring that every participant left with practical tips and renewed motivation. The emphasis on growth and learning truly reflected the spirit of the Pro-Am event.

A Big Shout-out to the Capstone Community

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this incredible night. Special appreciation goes to our pro debaters and young stars for making the event a resounding success. We look forward to more opportunities to learn, connect, and celebrate the spirit of debate together.

Celebration shot: A full-house group photo marking the success of the Pro-Am community event.

Album Snippets!

Students brainstorming: Ams lean in toward their pro teammate to exchange ideas.

Focused exchange: A pro debater and an amateur teammate discuss ideas and refine arguments together.

Students brainstorming: Amateur debaters huddle with their pro teammate.

Ready to speak: An amateur debater practices delivering points with confidence, applying strategies learned from their pro teammate.

Focused writing: An amateur debater takes notes during a strategy session with their pro teammate, preparing arguments for the next debate round.

Snapshot shows: A lively group of amateur debaters awaiting to be teamed up with their pros!

Working side by side: A pro debater collaborates with amateur teammates.

Speech writing: An amateur debater concentrates on organizing ideas and drafting arguments.

Learning in action: Coach reviews notes on a laptop while guiding Pro-Am teams through feedback.

Practice in pairs: A pro debater works closely with amateur teammates.

Students brainstorming: Amateur debaters work closely with their pro teammate.

Guidance in progress: A pro debater leans in to support amateur teammates as they work through.

Photo captures: An amateur debater delivers a speech from the podium!

Team gathering: Pros and Ams strike playful poses with their coach, celebrating the fun and collaborative spirit of the Pro-Am event.