B. C. Mandarin Speech Contest, 2003

A British Columbia Mandarin Speech Contest, sponsored by the Sino-Canada Education Association (CCEDU), Chinese and Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver will be held on February 16, 2003. This event is aimed at promoting cross-cultural communication, stimulating interest in learning Mandarin and recognizing achievements in learning and using mandarin among British Columbians.
The contest will be broadcast live on www.mymandarin.com. Everyone in the world will have chance to enjoy this contest. On the other hand, our professor of languages will offer the on-line training for every contestant in 2/6/2003 - 2/7/2003.

Topic: MANDARIN IS HOT IN CANADA

The contest invites contestants in the following four categories:
(1) Non-native speakers of Mandarin
(2) Mandarin as second language speakers
(3) Native mandarin speakers (persons 12 years old and under)
(4) Native mandarin speakers (persons 13 years or older)

Rules:
- Contestants are encouraged to recite their speech in standard Mandarin. It is acceptable, however,
to read your speech. We also suggest that contestants write their own speech.
- Contestants are categorized according to their respective mandarin language background.
- The jury is composed of local Mandarin experts. They will evaluate each contestant according to pronunciation, grammar, content and presentation.
- The sequence of the presentations by the final participants will be determined by a draw.

Pre-contest screening session:
7 participants in each category will be chosen for the final contest. (This number could vary if the situation requires it.) Each speech should be no longer than 3 minutes.
Time and date: Sunday, February 9, 2003 from 1: 00 pm - 5: 00 pm
Place: 138 East Cordova Street, Vancouver

Contest:
Time and date: Sunday, February 16, 2003 from 1: 00 pm - 5: 00 pm
Length: Each speech should be no longer than 5 minutes
Place: to be announced at a later date

Prizes and awards:
(1) Every participant will receive an honorary certificate of participation and a gift
(2) First prize for the first category: One return ticket or equivalent value
(3) First prize for the second category: One return ticket in Canada or equivalent value
(4) First prize for the third category: A special prize
(5) First prize for the fourth category: A special prize

Registration information:
Registration dates: January 10, 2003 - February 8, 2003. Registration fee: $5.00
Method of registration:
(1) On the web: www.ccedu.net or www.mymandarin.com
(2) Tel: (604) 629-1899 ( 9:00am - 5:00pm) Fax: (604) 899-6097
(3) Mail: CCEDU, 203-3103 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C., V5R 5J9

For further information:
（604）438-2015(CCEDU)