NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Touchdown Media Inc., a leading Multicultural advertising firm announced, June 11, the launch of the seventh season of the MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee. MetLife, a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, returns as the title sponsor of the contest. The event is open to children of South Asian descent up to 14 years of age. It will give South Asian children a chance to test their spelling skills in their core peer group. Interested spellers need their parent or guardian to register them online at www.southasianspellingbee.com. Organized by Touchdown Media Inc., the 2014 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee will be conducted in 12 locations across the United States starting on June 14. Regional level events will be held in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, Orlando, Washington DC Metro, New Jersey, New York and Boston.

All events will be free to attend and open to the public. “This year is special to us not only because it is our 7th year, but also because 2 of our alumni were named Co- Champions at the Scripps international, sealing our community’s dominance in this craft. We are happy and excited to embark on yet another quest to seek the best speller from our community. The Bee has become a critical platform for the youth and we aspire to continue this effort year after year,” said Rahul Walia, CEO of Touchdown Media Inc. and founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee. Each competition will begin with a written test of 25 words.

The participants must spell 15 or more words correctly to advance to the afternoon oral round, which will be conducted by experienced pronouncers and judges. The top three in the oral round will receive prize money. The top two spellers of each regional competition will advance to the finals to be held in New Jersey in August. Like last year, MetLife has funded the $10,000 champion’s scholarship that will be awarded to the winner at the finals. “MetLife is pleased to serve once again as the title sponsor of the South Asian Spelling Bee competition,” said Laurel Daring, assistant vice president, Diverse Markets, MetLife.

“This event allows youth from across the country to test their spelling skills in a national forum that can provide a tremendous boost toward fulfilling a student’s educational aspirations. By challenging themselves in this manner, all of the participating students gain a better understanding of how much they can achieve through hard work and dedication.” Along with MetLife, food brand Kawan and education company C2Education have also come on board as sponsors for this event. As always, SONY Entertainment Television Asia is the exclusive broadcast partner for the MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee and will be airing the series across 120 countries.

“Kawan is proud to support this platform that helps in the overall growth of the child. We look forward to seeing this year’s talent and are happy to be part of the process to find the best speller from the South Asian community,” said Tim Tan, Director – International Business, Kawan Food, makers of the world’s most popular Roti Paratha Brand in the world – Kawan Paratha. “C2 Education is very honored to be associated with the MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee for the third consecutive year.

Seeing the children’s enthusiasm and dedication to succeed is truly inspiring”, said Steve Helgeson, Director of School and Community Partnerships, C2Education. “Once again, we are proud to be associated with the Bee and are looking forward to showcasing the journey in the quest for the best speller. We look forward to yet another successful year,” said Jaideep Janakiram, Head of North America, Sony Entertainment Television-Asia.