The analogue intellectual game of the longest internationally acclaimed television project “What? Where? When?” has been introduced at Caucasus International University since 2017.
The aim of the project is to establish intellectual competition between the faculties at the university and it has been successfully implemented. As the generations change, the students involved in the game change, as well. However, one of the organizers of the project Bakur Khubulava will tell us more about this.
- Why did you decide to start the game?
- My friend and groupmate – Jemal Kontselidze and I came to us with this idea at the exam building. Although the game had been organized in some form before, there was no single club system before. It was better to have a championship, rather than having one-time events. It would unite the intellectual games and systematically, weekly, unite the interested students.
- What makes this project different and what distinguishes it from other intellectual projects?
- The fact that there are about fifteen teams steadily playing in What? Where? When? championship after three years since its establishment indicates to the distinctiveness of the project. Some of the participants work simultaneously, though they always find time to engage and enjoy the game.
In addition, what distinguishes us is the fact that this is not a single game and it is represented by about ten types: “What? Where? When? ”, “Braining”, “Intellectual Due ”,“ Jeopardy”, “Crossword Round” and various quiz rounds.
We also had a few innovations: the intellectual duel and crossword round were not held in any of these universities. One of our teammates, Mariam Todua, came up with this idea and we gave it the form of the tournament. So, we meet every season with new initiatives that keep us stable.
- How many seasons are there in a year and how many games have you organized during the project?
- What? Where? When? is divided into two seasons. There are approximately twenty games in each season. We have already held five seasons. We have already exceeded hundreds. We have organized up to 100 events.
- What are your criteria for selecting participants?
- We do not prohibit anyone from playing the game and we have no special requirements. Anyone who is willing comes and plays according to their abilities. There were occasions when several teams came and did not continue participation. Naturally, we do not forbid them from leaving the project. However, 90% of project participants remain and if they do not have a team, they will find themselves in the club.
- How helpful are the participants?
- No project would be complete without support. Team unity is one of the guarantees of stability. Besides the organizational issues of the game, we also have to find sponsors.
- Tell us about your partner companies.
- Firstly, I would like to thank the Caucasus International University Administration which has been helping us with the prize and other presents for years. In addition, book companies: Rada Ram and Books in Batumi are actively cooperating with us which will give their prizes to our winners. The company “Shungit” has been with us for the second year and Prime Audit, which even conducted its own tournament, took the winners of the previous year to an internship and then hired them.
There are also one-time sponsors according to the specifics of the games.
- What prizes does “What? Where? When?” offer to the winners?
- What? Where? When? are held in four or five rounds according to seasons. The winner, along with certificates, souvenir gifts, books, and trophies, will receive GEL 200, 300 and 500 cash prizes at the end of the season. In addition, naturally, the companies that are our sponsors award prizes.
Similar gifts will be given to the winners in one-off tournaments as well.
- In your opinion, what does this project give participants?
- Generally, intellectual projects give participants openness, develop their mental and analytical thinking. Statistical knowledge is something prevailing during recent years that can be difficult and almost impossible to use in the future. Of course, factual knowledge is crucial, you cannot play without it. However, you may not know a specific fact and come to the truth with logical thinking.
In addition, the Intellect Club is an interesting community where you have the opportunity to find like-minded, friendly, and similar people.
- Can you remember the game which you will distinguish?
- There are a lot of games that I would distinguish, however, I will recall the final of 2017, when Giorgi Bakradze, the only Master of Intellect Club visited us as a guest. He was a little late, and we were hopeless. We were discussing the season with the participants, the lights were off, we were working with slides, and I would never forget the reaction of the children when he entered. That emotion resembles the one the football fan will have if Ronaldo visits him.
- Are you planning any more novelties?
- We are offering new things every season. We think of new games, give a new interpretation to existing games. The idea of the quiz round, which I mentioned above provides a comprehensive knowledge of one topic, such as geography, music, football, etc. The game format is also formulated according to the surveys of the working groups. I think diversity is an important factor, but no radical changes are planned.
Prepared by students: Mariam Kristesiashvili and Kristine Beradze
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