May 2, 2020

In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the International Churchill Society has launched a global competition inspired by the famous speeches of Britain’s wartime Prime Minister. The competition—coinciding in May with the 75th anniversary of VE Day and the 80th anniversary of Winston Churchill becoming Prime Minister—encourages participants to write or deliver an inspirational speech of hope in response to the current global challenges. The winner will receive a $10,000 donation for a frontline health organization, hospice, or hospital of their choosing.

The Competition

In an observation since cited by many including President Kennedy, journalist Edward R. Murrow said that during the Second World War, Winston Churchill “mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.”

We are asking participants to submit either:

• A speech of no more than 300 written words in English or
• A video in English of no longer than 60 seconds

The speech should inspire hope, unity, and determination in the manner of Winston Churchill and should address today’s unique global challenges.

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The first-prize winner will earn $10,000 for a frontline health organization, hospice, hospital, or medical related non-profit of their choosing. There is a second prize of $2,500 and two third-place prizes of $1,250 each. In addition, the first-prize winner and their guest will be entitled to a trip to an International Churchill Society event in New York or London when appropriate to travel.

The winners will be selected by a panel that includes descendants of Winston Churchill, Randolph Churchill and Celia Sandys. The judging panel also includes Andrew Roberts, historian, and author of international bestseller Churchill: Walking with Destiny; Erik Larson—bestselling author of The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz; Candice Millard—author of Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape and the Making of Winston Churchill; and historian, broadcaster, and President of the British Academy, Sir David Cannadine.

The winners will be announced Tuesday, 30 June 2020 via the competition website.

How to Enter

Anyone may enter by submitting a document of up to 300 words or uploading a video of no longer than 60 seconds and no larger than 2MB to the competition webpage. The competition is open to anyone of all ages, anywhere in the world, whether you are a history enthusiast, a student drawn to Churchill’s example, a teacher looking for a way to inspire your class remotely, or a parent trying to home school your children.

For more information including terms and conditions and to submit an entry go to this page. The closing date for submissions is 12 noon [Eastern Standard Time] Sunday 30 May 2020.