Word by Word

It’s the hunt for India’s young spelling genius,and ESPN Star Sports is all set to bring it to a national school level. The Spelling Champs 2009 is here and it’s open for age group of 11 to 14 years. The seven episode series,which starts July 8 on ESPN,will see young wizards,handpicked by some of the best schools,engage in a clash of words.

While Rajat Kapoor will be the prompt host,the show will have a panel of Word Commissioners,noted novelist Rana Dasgupta and English Language Experts from British Council will give invaluable inputs to the ever inquiring contestants. The format of the show entails eight gruelling challenges in a countdown where only one will survive to be crowned the Spelling Champ 2009. From spellathon,wordsmith to word confusion,quick fire challenge and word spell,contestants are going to make a bee-line for the right word! Says RC Venkateish,Managing Director,ESPN Software Pvt Ltd,“The aim is to indirectly encourage the joy of reading and improve spellings amongst school going children which we hope will make for enjoyable television viewing,which is educational as well as entertaining. The show is a must see for all school going kids across the country.”

The winner of the ESPN Spelling Champs 2009 walks away with the coveted Trophy along with a grand prize of a dream trip to South Africa for the ICC Champions Trophy in October. Runners-up will receive a Wii Sports. The final four contestants get a series of books from publisher Harper Collins. Appreciating their spirit of participation all 52 contestants get a gift pack from scholastics.