HYDERABAD, Oct 2: A mega event, “Dawn in Education: Spelling Bee” competition, was organised in Hyderabad for the first time by Dawn Media Group in collaboration with the US Embassy, City FM 89 radio, DawnNews and Fauji Fertilizer Company at Mumtaz Mirza auditorium on Saturday.

Students of the age groups of 9-11, 12-14 and 15-17 who came from all over the province participated in the competition.

The spelling competition had two rounds and two to three contestants from each age group made it to the next phase of competition to be held in Karachi.

Winners of Karachi contest would participate in a final competition to be organised in Islamabad.

Hyderabad District Police Officer Munir Ahmed Sheikh who was chief guest of the mega event distributed certificates among contestants and also addressed the participants and teachers. About 500 students from 58 private and government schools took part in spelling competition which was also attended by the students’ parents.

The spelling contest aims at inculcating a spirit of competition among the students and helping improve the standard of education.

Transport as well as accommodation to students who came from far off areas was provided by the Dawn Media Group.

The judges panel comprised Ms Raheela Baqai, Ms Zenobia Master and Samuel Ray of the Oxford University Press.