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EF English First, one of the world's largest private educational companies that specialise in English training, has signed an agreement with the Guangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (GAGOC) and become the Language Training Service Supplier of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games.

At the EF Asian Games Carnival held at GAGOC headquarters last Friday, the EF Asian Games English training programme was officially launched. EF will provide English training for GAGOC staff and about 60,000 Games-time volunteers in the run-up to the Games.

Fang Da'er, Director of the Marketing Department of GAGOC said that EF's language support would be vital for the success of the Guangzhou Asian Games.

EF had provided English training services for both the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympic Games and the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games.

Peter Winn, President of EF Adult Education in China, said it was "EF's honour to support the Guangzhou Asian Games and an opportunity for dialogue between China and the rest of Asia".

Zhang Ping, a Gold Medalist at the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games and former member of China's Women's National Volleyball Team, is studying English with EF, and said, "the internationalisation 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."

As the 16th Asian Games Language Training Service Supplier, EF will provide tailor-made English training to the Chinese judges, translators, interpreters and organising 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.

In addition, EF will build a website for Asian Games English training, which is expected to be online by the end of 2009.

(Source: GAGOC)