Global Word Cup Invites All Ages

Test Your Word Savvy With eSpindle Learning

Sebastopol, Ca. (12/7/2007) Designed for language enthusiasts of all ages, the Word Cup® (www.WordCupCafe.org) is a new online competition testing vocabulary and spelling skills in a time-restricted quiz. eSpindle Learning, a nonprofit and leading provider of online vocabulary and spelling tutoring, is hosting the event. Oxford University Press is the largest prize sponsor. Tryouts will be under way until July of 2008, and winners will be announced on September 8, 2008, International Literacy Day.

All three rounds of the Word Cup – tryouts, semifinals and finals - take place online so that everyone may take part, regardless of location or physical ability. Free practice quizzes are available year-round at www.eSpindle.org/free_quiz and are regularly updated. The main prize is a ZAP® XEBRA® Sedan, a new all electric car design unlike any other car available today, as well as electrically supported bicycles.
Prizes will be given to the highest-scoring contestants in each of the four age categories (younger than 16, 16 to 30, 31 to 50, and 51 years and older). The highest-scoring contestant is named Champion of Champions. Future Word Cups will reward personal improvement as well, so this event supports all skill levels.

“The Word Cup is a lot of fun, even if you’re not yet a verbal super hero. Our goal is to create a community in which those with advanced vocabulary and spelling skills inspire and support those who are struggling,” said Warda. “A broad vocabulary is the basis of academic success. The Word Cup celebrates both excellence as well as personal self-improvement.” Other winners include literacy organizations, both national and international. Word Cup provides a platform from which participating organizations can showcase their work, reach out to potential volunteers, and raise funds. Contestants will have the chance to make a donation and the top twelve winners will determine how the funds are shared among the organizations to support their valuable work.

“Literacy is often an undervalued asset,” said Warda. “Just like air it is fundamental to our well-being, yet not fully appreciated unless you don’t have it. We ask participants to reflect on the many benefits their education and their ability to read and write with confidence has brought to their lives – and then to reach out to share the gift with others.”

Trying out for the Word Cup is free, with a small registration fee required for semifinal and final participants over the age of 18. To join in the fun and for more information visit www.WordCupCafe.org. eSpindle Learning offers innovative vocabulary and spelling practice through an online subscription service called eSpindle.

Designed for all ages and skills levels, eSpindle customizes learning sessions based on a proprietary database of more than 100,000 words and a member’s unique learning profile. The online subscription service provides easy to read, real-time progress reports and seamlessly integrates with other curriculum materials.

About eSpindle Learning:

A non-profit organization, eSpindle Learning offers individualized online vocabulary and spelling practice to help students of all ages become confident readers and writers. The online tutoring service delivers customized learning sessions based on a proprietary database of more than 150,000 words. The organization was established in 2004 and matches memberships with free licenses for disadvantaged students.

Media contacts: Billie Sue Fischer, [email protected], Media Liaison or Rosevita Warda, [email protected], Executive Director