The Governor, Rena Lalgie, will officially launch the island’s newest spelling competition on the steps of City Hall next week.

A spokesman said the Verbal Victory Bermuda Spelling Bee, which will be implemented during the 2024-25 academic year, “is designed to not only enhance students’ spelling skills, but also their cognitive, literacy and life skills”.

Retired Puisne Judge Norma Wade-Miller, chairwoman of the bee’s organising committee, along with Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, and former spelling bee winners will attend the contest launch.

It take place on Wednesday at 12.15pm and will feature performances by the Northlands Primary and Warwick Academy Primary school choirs.

All students aged 9 through 13 can take part in the new contest.

The spokesman added: “The students will prepare for the bee by learning words set out in the printed and/or digital version of a booklet provided by the bee organisers.

“Preliminary competitions will be held in eastern, central and western zones, with the winning students moving to the semi-finals and then the island-wide televised final.

“Prizes will be awarded to the overall winner of the competition and to the remaining finalists.

“All students who participate will receive some form of recognition.”

The winning student may be able to compete in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington.

Students can submit names for the spelling bee’s mascot in another new contest.

Ms Justice Wade-Miller, who recalls the joy felt by students during the 1979 Spelldown, said: “It is my hope and expectation that participants in the 2024-25 edition of Bermuda Spelling Bee will experience similar joy and fulfilment.”

Verbal Victory is a registered charity.

Other members of the board include deputy chair Robert Horton, secretary Amanda Duncan, treasurer Charlicia Henry, Alberta Dyer Tucker, Jonathan Howes and Elijah Richardson.