Wednesday, April 06, 2011

AARP Calling All Baby Boomer Spellers

Is your 401K leaving much to be desired these days? If you can spell, you might want to consider a trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming for the 16th annual AARP National Spelling Bee. You could win $5,000 if you beat all of the other boomer spellers.

I was the fourth grade spelling champion at my school. I wonder how far that would get me.

Meanwhile, here's the official press release:


CHEYENNE, Wyo. (April 4, 2011) – Visit Cheyenne for a SPELL while the city hosts the 16th annual AARP National Spelling Bee, June 17– 18, 2011, at The Little America Hotel and Resort. Open to anyone age 50 or older, the Bee attracts spellers from all over the United States who compete for gifts and prizes. New this year, the top speller winnings have increased to $5,000.

In celebration of the competition, Cheyenne is offering city-wide events and attractions all weekend long, as well as a special hotel rate. In addition, a free pre-Bee workshop, Gray Matters: Training the Grownup Brain, will feature interactive sessions that explain the impact of diet, fitness, and relationships on brain health, and answer your questions. The workshop begins Friday at 8:30 a.m., includes lunch, and concludes at 1:00 p.m.

Whether you enjoy reading the dictionary to keep your mind sharp or just to meet other like-minded adults, the AARP National Spelling Bee always proves to be exciting and highly competitive,” said Tim Summers, AARP Wyoming Director. “Many of the spellers prepare year-round for this competition, and we’re pleased to be able to provide the forum for folks to test themselves. And while they are here, they can also enjoy Cheyenne’s many attractions and events that coincide with the Bee.”

In addition to these events, visitors will enjoy exploring historic museums and hotels, and nearby attractions; shopping at western-themed stores; or finding a special treasure among the many art galleries. The Laramie County Library, named Best Library of the Year in 2009 by Library Journal magazine, is a popular attraction for spellers. Visitors will receive a special rate at Little America Hotel and Resort, which includes a free round of golf, by calling the hotel directly at 800-445-6945 (rate NOT available online). Details of all Cheyenne events and attractions, and additional lodging options, are available online at www.cheyenne.org.

About the Spelling BeeThe AARP National Spelling Bee was created in 1996 by a group of AARP members in Cheyenne, Wyoming, who wanted a fun way to challenge their peers to keep their minds sharp as they age. The competition has been held every year since, and always in Cheyenne. A group of dedicated volunteers select the words, write the sentences, organize, and promote the event. Spellers travel from across the United States to showcase a lifetime of knowledge and to celebrate their years of experience.
Registration is available via www.aarp.org/spellingbeee or by calling 1-877-926-8300. Pre-event registration is $40 for spellers and remains open through June 11, 2010. Walk-in registration costs $50. A complete schedule for the two days, sample word lists, contest details and official rules, can be found online or by calling the AARP office in Wyoming at 1-866-663-3290.

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