In a thrilling intellectual spectacle, the Faculty of Health Sciences Social Events Committee hosted the inaugural "Clash of the Wits" quiz, attracting a wave of enthusiastic participation from academic and administrative staff. The event unfolded on Thursday 22 February 2024, with a 1hour journey through various mind-bending challenges.
Guiding the proceedings were Ms Melita James, the brains behind it all, Ms Marthese Gauci and Ms Marika Spagnol, with Marthese taking on the role of quiz coordinator and Marika managing the crucial tasks of scorekeeping and timekeeping. The anticipation and excitement among the audience and participants were palpable as the two teams geared up for an unforgettable clash of intellects.
Round 1: The Battle of Great Minds
Due to an overwhelming response, the quiz began with all participants competing in a surprise twist Elimination Round, where participants had a mere 30 seconds to answer questions drawn from a lot bag. In the face of unexpected brilliance, a second round of elimination was introduced. After the second cut, two reserves were randomly selected to assist the teams in Round 5, ensuring a fair and captivating competition and the two competing teams, A and B were formed.
Round 2: Pictorial Prowess
Teams showcased their visual acumen in the Picture Round. Identifying images related to landmarks and celebrities, each correct answer earned the team five points. The stakes were raised as the opposing team had the opportunity to steal points if the first team faltered, all within a heart-pounding 30-second time limit.
Round 3: Harmonic Challenge in the Music Round
The theme of music took centre stage in Round 3. Teams chose from four music packs—90's, Rock, Soundtrack, and Pop Music—each featuring two questions worth 5 marks. Adding a unique twist, participants had the option to seek assistance from the audience, engaging with one audience member to answer a question, amplifying the collaborative spirit of the competition.
Round 4: The Rapid Fire Challenge
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch in the Rapid Fire Round, designed to test quick thinking and knowledge. Both teams faced a barrage of rapid-fire questions. Each correct answer added 5 points to the team's score, but an incorrect response resulted in a 5-point deduction. With ten questions in total, the teams had to navigate through the rapid-fire storm within a maximum of 10 seconds per question, introducing an element of suspense and strategy.
Round 5: Anagrams Unleashed
Wordplay took the spotlight in Round 5, as participants worked on anagrams—rearranging letters to form words or phrases. Armed with a pen and paper, six words awaited rearrangement based on given hints. Helpers from the previous elimination round aided the teams, but only four participants would emerge as winners, each anagram contributing ten points to the total score.
In a riveting culmination of intellect and camaraderie, the Clash of the Wits proved to be a resounding success with Team B (Prof. Rosienne Farrugia, Dr Brandon Scicluna, Prof. Francis Zarb, Dr Josef Trapani) emerging victorious. The faculty's commitment to fostering a spirit of competition and collaboration has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on the participants, making the Clash of the Wits a landmark event in the Faculty of Health Sciences Social Events Calendar.
