Bermuda’s student debate team enjoyed a promising start at this year’s World Schools Debating Championships, although illness forced the group’s withdrawal during the preliminary rounds.

The island was represented in Bali, Indonesia, by Megan Sutcliffe, 18, a Bermuda High School graduate; Berkeley Institute students Tyrese Coakley, 17, Yasser Baia, 17, and Sierra Brangman, 16, as well as Asha Symons, 16, from Warwick Academy.

While Team Bermuda fared well against hosts Team Indonesia, the group lost narrowly to England, China, the Czech Republic and Estonia.

However, the loss of three members to illness and injury, with one debater treated in hospital, meant that the team was unable to continue in the competitions.

For Ms Sutcliff, Bali marked the last year debating for Bermuda at the schools level as she heads to a joint programme between Sciences Po and University College London.

The remaining team members are all eligible to compete at next year’s championships, which will be held in Croatia and Slovenia jointly.

Bermudian debater Kenza Wilks, of runner-up Team England, got special congratulations for taking the event’s top speaking prize.

The team was coached by Akilah Beckles, and Wanda Gibson went to the tournament as a judge.