Scripps National Spelling Bee begins

The Gleaner Children’s Own Spelling Bee champion, Sade Dunbar will begin her quest to become the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion when the preliminary oral round begins this morning.



Sade is one of 288 spellers vying for the title this year in Washington DC, United States.



Spellers did a 50 word written test between Monday and Tuesday.



Under Scripps rules, organisers randomly pick 25 of the words from each speller.



The number of words the contestants spell right from the random 25, plus the words they get correct in today’s preliminary round determine whether the contestant will be called to participate in the quarterfinal round this afternoon.



Coach, Reverend Glen Archer is optimistic that Sade will move to the quarterfinals.