Indian Americans kids have won 18 of 22 National Spelling Bee contests since 1999.
Looking at the performance of Indian American students at the National spelling Bee contests in the country, one could fairly assume that well, many of them start spelling before they start speaking!
So, for a lot of young desi spellers it may come as a disappointment that this year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual spelling bee joins a long list of important events that have been cancelled given the pandemic that has spread in over 200 countries across the globe.
This year’s event which was to be held at National Harbor, Maryland, would have marked the 93rd edition of the championship.
The suspension of the contest includes all in-person events and live national broadcast that were scheduled for the week of May 24 this year.
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An update on the Scripps National Spelling Bee website says that if possible, the organizers will work with their local sponsors, spellers, convention partners and ESPN to reschedule the contest for later this year.
A statement released by the organizers said: “The world is navigating through uncertainty, and while the timing of the national finals is just outside the eight-week window recommended by the CDC, this is the safest and most responsible action.”
“This was a difficult decision that unfortunately will disappoint students who have spent a great deal of time studying and preparing, along with their parents and teachers who have supported them.”
“The focus now shifts to exploring all options to possibly reimagine a competition later this year,” the statement added.
Also Read: Indian American Karthik Nemmani is the 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee winner
Widely compared as the Super Bowl for spelling enthusiasts, the finals of the Spelling Bee contest are a weeklong event.
Students spend years preparing for the event and hundreds of them participate in preliminary contests to make the final 15.
Indian Americans have had a winning streak in the contest which has emerged as the favorite romping grounds for the desi community.
Interestingly since 1999, as many as 18 of the last 22 Scripps National Spelling Bee winners have been Indian Americans.