Parents and teachers alike encourage kids to enjoy learning and to expand horizons.  While traditional school days offer the bulk of a child’s education, unique and special events outside the classroom expand his or her mind as well.  For example, scheduled field trips sponsored by the school district, to museums, hospitals, and city tours expose school children to things they might otherwise never see.  Cultural exchanges with other students through plays and competitions foster diversity and understanding; only good can come from such experiences.  Competitions help develop cooperation skills and team work as well as individual strengths.  There are a number of competitive events geared toward young school children, such as science fairs, art exhibits, and the venerable spelling bee.

In a spelling bee contest, kids compete by successfully spelling a variety of words which get progressively more difficult for the duration of the contest.  Before long, friends and family of the Bee challengers are amazed by the obscurity of the words their kids can spell.  Young spellers stand up well under what seems enormous pressure because they have the training and support of their teachers, schools, and of course their families.  

Winners of a spelling bee may win money prizes or a certificate depending on the competition and the sponsors.   Regardless of the prize, these bright kids will take away the ability to stand up before an audience and perform, to work successfully under stress, and to be part of a greater whole.  Spelling bee competitors can take pride in whatever level they complete; they are part of a special group.

Take advantage of the fun and exciting opportunity to participate in the 2011 South Asian spelling bee being held across the nation and culminating on August 12th, 2011 with the national South Asian Spelling Bee finals in New Brunswick, NJ. All children who qualify are eligible to register.  Qualifying requires that at least one of the speller’s parents or grandparents must be of South Asian descent. To be of South Asian descent, an individual must be able to trace his or her lineage to one of the following nations: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and/or Sri Lanka.

Competitors in the Desi spelling bee will win regional prizes of cash awards from $200 to $10,000, and the grand prize is a $10,000 scholarship.   The Asian Spelling Bee will be a rewarding event for all who participate.

The South Asian 2011 Spelling Bee, a Touchdown Media event, is hosted for children whose ethnic heritage is of South Asian or Desi origins.  New York Spelling Bee regional spelling completion will be held on July 23rd, 2011 at the Hofstra University.