EF partners with the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010, to train 60,000 volunteers and staff in English
Guangzhou, China, July 17th, 2009 - Within a year of EF's wildly successful participation in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the company will participate in the next major sporting event to be held in China. The Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (GAGOC www.gz2010.cn) announced today that EF(www.ef.com.cn) was selected as the Language Training Service Supplier of the 16th Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou, China. EF will provide English training for more than 60,000 volunteers and GAGOC staff in the run-up to the Games. The first training provided by EF was held in GAGOC's headquarters this afternoon in a festive carnival-atmosphere.
As the 16th Asian Games Language Training Service Supplier, EF will provide tailor-made English training to the Chinese judges, translators, interpreters and organizing committee staff. Training will be conducted by EF’s expert instructors using a combination of private, face-to-face, and online activities. EF will design a series of training courses, which focus on sports, hospitality, reception, and specific techniques for GAGOC staff with the goal of rapid language acquisition. Liu Jiangnan, the Deputy Secretary General from GAGOC, expresses his appreciation of EF’s involvement in the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games. He states, "Given EF’s past experience as key players in the preparation for both the Beijing and Seoul Olympic Games, we are hopeful that they will be excellent partners in helping us prepare for the Asian Games. With the same Olympic spirit, the Asian Games is not only a grand sporting event, but also a platform for global cultural exchange. Our philosophy is ‘Thrilling Games and Harmonious Asia’. We are grateful and excited to work with EF in welcoming the world to Guangzhou."
Zhang Ping, gold medalist in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and key member of national female volleyball team, is studying English with EF, and said, “The internationalization of sport events means that all participants need to be prepared. The improvement and practice we do in anticipation of a huge sports competition has extensive influence on our future careers and our lives. The learning environment EF has built helps students to build their confidence, which helps students like me actually speak in English.”
"EF is very honored and proud to support the Guangzhou Asian Games. The Asian Games is a chance for China to talk to the world- in English. EF was founded with the mission of breaking down the barriers of language, culture and geography that divide us, and this mission fits well with the Asian Games," said Mr. Bill Fisher, CEO of EF China.
Press and Media inquiries are advised to contact ming.chen@ef.com.
About EF Education First:
Established in 1965 with the mission to "break down barriers in language, culture and geography", EF has helped over 15 million students to learn a new language and travel abroad. EF was the Official Language Training Services Supplier of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. With a network of 400 schools and offices worldwide, EF specializes in language training, educational travel, cultural exchange, and degree programs for adults, kids, and companies. For more information please see www.ef.com.
