2019 - 2020 Optimist Year 

Topic:  “Just iMagine a World without Boundaries”

THE OLDEST AND BEST CONTEST OF OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL AND THE GATEWAY DISTRICT 

After one of the best ever Oratorical Contests last year in the GATEway District, we look forward to yet a better contest this year.  Our goal is to have 40 Clubs participate this year. Start now preparing for your club to send two contestants (gender neutral) up the “Oratorical Ladder” with the opportunity to win $22,500 in scholarships.  Look to the District Newsletter for information and come to the District Meetings to gather insight, suggestions, and hear of the joy of doing this for our kids!  And How Are The Children in your community?  

Tentative deadlines for the contest are: 
Local Club contest winners received by the Lt. Governors:  March 16, 2020
Zone contest:  March 30, 2020
Area contest: April 20, 2020
District Contest: April 25, 2020 in Carrollton, GA
 
The District Areas are as follows:
Area A:  Zones 1, 2, 3    Area Chair: TBD   Contest Date & Location: TBD
Area B:  Zones 4, 5, 6    Area Chair: TBD   Contest Date & Location: TBD
Area C:  Zones 7, 8, 10  Area Chair: TBD   Contest Date & Location: TBD
Area D:  Zone 11, 13      Area Chair: TBD   Contest Date & Location: TBD
 
 
 
Here is contact information for the GATEway District Oratorical Chair:
Richard Newman
190 Spring Place Blvd
Athens, Tennessee 37303
 
richard81979@comcast.net
423-506-0416
 
 
 
Again, we look forward, WITH YOUR HELP, having another record breaking year in both participants and clubs.  

The contest is open to students under the age of 19 by October 1, 2019. Students must enter in the District in which they reside.

Fees:  Each winning contestant from a club must be accompanied by an entry fee check in the amount of Thirty-five dollars ($35), made payable to Gateway District, Optimist International. This fee applies to ALL winning entries advancing to another level of competition. These fees are normally paid by the sponsoring club. 

Your next step?   Online Info: Planning Guide, application, and contest rules can be accessed: click on this link to the OI website.

Download: the Application and Contest Rules form, click here.