Seoul Searching

News from World Congress 2006

Update: Massive Awards Success for JCI Edinburgh!

We are all celebrating here in Seoul after Andy McKechnie, Charlotte Square Club Co-Director, won the JCI World Public Speaking Competition at WC2006 in Seoul Korea. He battled against three other excellent speakers however his unique and insipiring style won through and last night was presented with the prestigious award. Andy is totally over the moon and everyone in Edinburgh, Scotland and indeed Europe is really, really proud of him.

JCI Edinburgh twins, JCI Galway, are also celebrating after winning the award for Best Chapter in the World as well as Best President in the World (51-75 members). We are delighted to have been able to pass this award on to JCI Galway after winning it in 2003, 2004 and 2005. JCI UK also won an award for a project they ran in Jersey.

The JCI Scotland debating team reached the final of the World Debating Competition and were narrowly (even if I do say so myself!) beaten by JCI Australia.

Please keep reading below for more news and pictures from World Congress...

13th November

Greetings from Seoul, South Korea! I am pleased to confirm that Seoul is as weird as expected.

After flying half way round the world from cold and drizzly Scotland the Scottish delegation were reunited in a cold and drizzly Seoul to begin their Korean adventure at World Congress 2006. For those not familiar with the concept, World Congress is open to members from across the world to allow them to meet up, receive training, participate in official JCI meetings and, of course, party!

We are representing you all well here in Seoul, with a comparatively large delegation compared to other European countries. From Edinburgh we have Andy, Louise, Ally and Brian, and we've been joined by Murrae, Pete and Svetlana from Glasgow, Wendy from Aberdeen, and of course our National President, Gordon from Moray.

Last night (Sunday) saw the opening of the conference with a bizarre Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Fencing Stadium. After the usual procession of National Presidents, we were treated to songs from well known musicals, in Korean. Hearing "You're the One that I Want" from "Grease" in Korean was a personal highlight! We certainly didn't let the side down and we all looked resplendent (if a little cold) in our kilts, waving saltires. Scottish men seem to be quite popular over here with the kilts causing a bit of a stir, leaving Andy, Brian and I wondering if we should have been charging for the privilege of having a picture taken with us! After the ceremony was Korean night, with a large party, more pictures, dancing and some food which we're all hoping wasn't sweet and sour dog...

Today sees the TOYP (The Outstanding Young Persons Award) and more parties hosted by various countries. Tomorrow is the World Debating Championships where will be represented by Pete and Svetlana from Glasgow and yours truly from Edinburgh.

More updates will follow soon....

Ally

Communities Director 2006

14th November

Last night saw the world TOYP awards at the main conference centre which was very inspiring and really interesting. Our friends from JCI Ireland were lucky enough to have had one of their honourees selected as an honouree in the World awards. The Ceremony was followed by a huge Party Night hosted by India, USA, Denmark, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The USA involvement meant beer and pizza, which was a bit more palatable to the Scots as we're all getting a bit fed up with noodles! It was an early night for most of us as we were all participating in different events today.

This morning (8am start!) was the World Debating Finals where Scotland were pleased to have been able to enter a team. Given the small European delegation there were only five teams, however we debated against JCI USA in the semis and then made it to the final (!!!) against JCI Australia. We're therefore now in contention for another award tomorrow (a third) alongside Brian for Best President in the World and Andy for Public Speaking.

Andy was excellent this afternoon and delivered an interesting and entertaining speech on Corporate Social Responsibility. We all think he was the best, even although we're very biased! The anticipation is now building for the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday and we'll update you on what happens at them as soon as we know! Everyone in JCI Edinburgh- keep your fingers crossed!!!

Your roving reporter,

Ally

17th November

Thursday was Delegates Day here in Seoul, so with no formal programme or party nights, the traditional BANZSI Dinner was held, following the also traditional JCI Scotland drinks reception, where not so traditional raspberry rice wine was served! This was a chance for friends old and new to come together. Following dinner, at the behest of our Deputy National President (surprise surprise) we ventured to a local karaoke bar for entertainment, singing and dancing. Definately a highlight of the conference, even if most of us were left hoping that some members of the group would get some singing training before WC2007 in Turkey!

Friday, after a late start for most, saw the Gala Dinner and Closing Cermony at an upmarket hotel just outside the centre of Seoul. Despite 6000 delegates registered for Congress there were only seats for a lucky (?) 2000 at the gala. The food was good, however the Koreans obviously seriously misjudged the European's demand for wine and after one glass we were forced to despatch some of the delegation to a local off license to replenish supplies. After discovering the hotel bar was charging £6 for a bottle of beer we ventured back to our hotel bar (with some karaoke singing on the bus back led by you know who) to continue the party.

All the delegates have now begun to make their way home from what has been an interesting and enriching experience. See you in Edinburgh soon for a much anticipated glass of wine and/or a cheaper beer!

Gamsan Hamnida,

Ally