Morden is playing host to a very special group of students for the 53rd Annual National Student Debate Seminar.

"A year and a half we've been planning this big event where we have about 100 people come to Morden from all across Canada. The farthest being the Northwest Territories and Newfoundland on the east," says Michael Macaraeg, host committee organizer and debate coach in Morden.

The theme for this year is The Rural/Urban Divide, and offers the opportunity for events in both of Canada's National languages, French and English.

Macaraeg says it is amazing to see the passion each student has for leading and learning about the art of debate.

"We have many opportunities for these students to explore the Pembina Valley. We have them exploring the City of Morden on a photo scavenger hunt."

One of the organizers to help showcase Morden is Grade 12 debate student Mollie Wheeler.

This is the fifth time the seminar has been held in Manitoba, and the first time outside of Winnipeg. (Pictured: Mollie Wheeler)

"The fact that we have debate up and running in rural Manitoba is impressive, and also the fact that we have French debate going at our little debate club here is impressive. I think that that drew the original intention here."

Wheeler took part in last year's seminar in Quebec City where she won the Founder's Cup for Top Debater and the Chief Justice Award for the Top Bilingual Debater.

"It was such an amazing learning experience where I met so many great friends ... You're not allowed to take part in it twice as one of the students so I thought I, well then I can do my best to help out and volunteer."

She says one of her favourite parts of the seminar last year was a mock parliament at a university, and is excited for this year's participants who get to do it at the Manitoba Legislature.

"I know that lots of these kids are from big cities and have never seen a small town like this so I think that that's a pretty cool experience for them as well," she says.

Speakers at the seminar include Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew, 2019 Manitoba Outstanding Young Farmer Will Bergmann and Executive Director of Regional Connections Steve Reynolds.

Wab Kinew and Michael Macaraeg at the opening ceremonies Thursday morning.