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Wondering: are #storytelling contests for children a thing in other countries too?
In Hungary they are a staple in elementary school. Unfortunately, kids are made to learn folktales word for word and then recite them. Emphasis is on clear speech and mimicked regional "folksy" dialects. Also, tales are often chosen by teachers or parents rather than the kid. Not to mention the "contest" aspect. Now there's a cultural discussion developing around this.
Anything similar in other countries?
@TarkabarkaHolgy Not a thing here. Competition is not generally allowed in Norwegian schools, and for the reasons you highlight: the educational point of the arrangement is lost in the focus on the contest. It would be fun to have the kids entertaining one another with stories, though.
@SimonRoyHughes I bet you don't have oral exams either, where one kid has to stand up in front of the class and answer questions until the teacher loudly decides on their grade
@SimonRoyHughes@beige.party@TarkabarkaHolgy 
We have oral exams, but nothing like that. (We don't encourage bullies to go into teaching.)
@SimonRoyHughes lol yep. I never realized how not normal this was until I tried to explain it to American friends. Many teachers revel in slooowly turning the pages of the class book to select the victim. This is basically shared trauma for all Hungarian students.