AARPÕs 12th Annual National Senior Spelling Bee to Take Place June 16 in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Event Draws Contestants Age 50+ from Across the U.S.

Source: AARP Press Center | June 12, 2007

AARP, one of the world's largest member organizations with more than 38 million members, today announced it would once again host its annual National Senior Spelling Bee on June 16, 2007 at The Historic Plains Hotel in downtown Cheyenne, Wyo. More than 75 spellers age 50+ will come together to test their spelling skills against competitors from across the country.

"America's fast growing affinity for spelling bees will once again be on display and we're looking forward to welcoming this year's competitors," said AARP Wyoming Director Rita Inoway. "The competition is always fierce and we expect it will be just as intense this year."

The AARP-sponsored bee is similar in format to the Scripps Howard bee for students, but the 50+ aged spellers are allowed to miss three words before being knocked out of the competition. Contestants of the AARP National Senior Spelling Bee pay their own way to participate and unlike the Scripps Howard bee, are competing for a modest purse ($100 for the top speller). Additionally, this year's winner will be flown to New York to appear LIVE on CBS' national morning show, The Early Show on June 18, 2007.

The AARP National Spelling Bee was started in 1996 by a group of AARP members in Cheyenne who wanted a way to challenge their friends and fellow retirees to keep their minds sharp as they age. Over the years, the event has blossomed into a highly competitive and challenging event attracting adult spellers from as far away as Alaska. It is open to anyone age 50 or older, except previous winners and is supported by NRTA: AARP's Educator Community and the Staying Sharp program.

Additional information about the AARP National Senior Spelling Bee, including the 2006 results and video coverage, is available online at www.SeniorSpellingBee.com.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.