Fry launches spellathon challenge

Stephen Fry is challenging the world to take on his master mind in a reverse spelling competition.

The QI host is competing in a global digital spelling contest to raise funds for learning disability charity Mencap.

Fry said of his involvement with www.Spellathon.net: “I’m greatly looking forward to competing against the world in this extremely tricky challenge.

“This is just about the best integration of imagination, education, technology inclusiveness and fun that I’ve ever encountered. Very proud to have been involved in it.”

Spellathon.net is said to be the biggest sponsored English spelling event ever.

Qualification involves correctly spelling 50 words backwards using games on the site, and raise £15 in sponsorship before February 1 next year.

Those who qualify will then have 15 minutes to record the longest run of words with the letters in reverse order.

Fry will then take part in the global championships in March, with three live rounds against primary school pupils, secondary school students and then adults.

Fry also voices a 3D bee character called The Professor in the online games.

As well as raising money for Mencap, 25% of the money students raise through Spellathon will go directly to their school, university union or college.