TBILISI, GEORGIA, 20 March 2013 — On 30 March, thirty-four students from across Georgia
will meet at the LEPL National Youth and Children’s Palace in Tbilisi to compete for the title of
National English Spelling Competition Champion.
These students have worked hard to make it to this level of the competition. Beginning in October
2012, more than 2,400 students from 126 schools participated in local level competitions across
Georgia. Roughly 1,000 of the top scorers advanced to regional level competitions held in
December, where they competed against each other to see who would earn an opportunity to travel
to Tbilisi for the national competition. Today, only 34 participants remain.
The finalists will arrive from their respective regions on Friday 29 March and will be treated to an
evening of camaraderie and fun. After a brief welcome and introduction, the students will enjoy
dinner at McDonald’s, followed by a movie at Rustaveli Cinema.
Saturday will be a full day, starting with breakfast and study time. Finalists will arrive at the
LEPL National Youth and Children’s Palace by 10:30 to go over the rules and meet the judges. 8th
and 9th graders will compete first at 11:00. After a champion is determined, guests and students
will be invited to a catered lunch in the lobby where they will have the chance to meet the official
sponsors and participate in a raffle. The competition will resume with the 10th-12th grade students
who will compete against each other until a champion is named. Each finalist will be recognized
in an award ceremony at the end of the competition, with generous prizes provided by the U.S.
Embassy, Education & Training International (ETI), and British Council going to the Champion
from both tiers. Following the competition, a special reception for the students, teachers, judges,
sponsors and volunteers will be held at U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland’s residence.
Generous sponsorships and donations from Free University of Tbilisi & Agriculture University of
Georgia, Rico Credit, World Vision Georgia, American Friendship Club, McCann Erickson
Georgia, McDonald’s, Rustaveli Cinema, Georgian American Junior High School & High School,
ETI, British Council Georgia, and the U.S. Embassy have made it possible to conduct the NESC,
as well as cover all expenses for the finalists.
The competition and reception are closed to the public. Visit spellingcompgeorgia.tumblr.com for
the latest event information.
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The National English Spelling Competition (NESC) was established in 2012 to reward students
and teachers for their hard work and celebrate their achievements in a public forum. The event is
administered by the NESC Committee, which is comprised of a group of volunteers throughout
Georgia who strive to improve the English language learning experience and increase the
motivation to learn. The NESC Committee collaborates with all parties interested in supporting
the NESC including non-governmental organizations, government bodies, schools and the private
sector. Notable partners and supporters include the Free University of Tbilisi & Agriculture
University of Georgia, Rico Credit, World Vision Georgia, U.S. Embassy, The Ministry of
Education and Science of Georgia, Peace Corps Georgia, American Corners, ETI, British Council
Georgia and American Friendship Club.
For more information about this event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Gus Davidson
at 599 093 608, gdavidson86@gmail.com or visit spellingcompgeorgia.tumblr.com.
