Full Invite Here

Tournament of Champions Bid Status

We are pleased to announce that we are Tournament of Champions sanctioned tournament with bids in the following events:

• Cross-Examination/Policy - Virtual: Finals
• Lincoln-Douglas - Virtual: Finals
• Public Forum - Virtual: Quarterfinals (Octofinals - Silver)
• Congress - In Person: Tier 2 - Top 16
• Individual Events - In Person:
  If 24 or fewer competitors enter, the top 3 receive bids.
  If 25 to 72 people compete, the top 7 finalists receive bids.
  If 73 to 125 or more are in an event, the top 14 semifinalists receive bids
  If 125 or more are in an event, the top 24 quarterfinalists receive bids

Dear Colleagues,

We are proud to invite you and your programme to the Aaron Thomas Memorial Invitational (formerly known as “The Tradition”). We will host a virtual Debate tournament (Cross-Examination, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Form, World’s Schools) from January 20-22. We will have an in-person modality for all Individual Events and Congress at our beautiful high school campus on Sunday, January 22.

We are committed to having an excellent judging pool, quality hospitality, and unseasonably wonderful weather in south Florida that we simply can’t replicate online.

For those of you who were not blessed with the opportunity to know Aaron Thomas, he was one of the most joyous personalities to ever grace debate. An avid believer of debate's transformative power, Aaron was an exceptional debater at the legendary Kansas City Central programme where he racked up wins and friends amongst opponents and judges alike. He went on to debate collegiately at a number of D3 area teams while actively volunteering at his urban debate league. Aaron was a pinnacle staple in the UDL in Kansas City where he coached multiple teams throughout high and middle schools where he was a friendly face and a beacon of support for countless kids. He was beloved by students and coaches throughout the national circuit and beyond. Aaron tragically died in a car accident on January 1st, 2015. His impact on the collegiate, high school, and even middle school communities was as heartfelt as his loss was sorrowing. His passion and dedication to students and commitment to solidifying opportunities for young people to learn and grow are the guiding principles in the hosting of this tournament.

All Urban Debate League programmes may register unlimited entries in all events for free

Best,

Cypress Bay Speech and Debate

Sohail Jouya - Director of Speech & Debate

Virtual Tournament