Although it understandably wasn’t top of mind, the competitive spelling world also suffered the disruptive consequences of the pandemic. While the National Spelling Bee will hopefully return to its pre-pandemic glory in 2022, virtual bees are likely here to stay, adding to preexisting off-season “minor league” spelling bees like the North South Foundation Bee and the South Asian Spelling Bee. Those who are unfamiliar with spelling as a competitive sport, especially international readers for whom spelling bees are peculiarly American, may ask what all the hubbub is about. Hundreds of children participate in the second round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 2019. Abhijay Kodali, 12, of Flower Mound, Texas, reacts as one of the spellers attempts his word during the finals of the 2019 Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Source: The Guardian June 12, 2021 12:30 UTC