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The recently launched WELO | World English Language Olympics industry-led initiative has announced a strategic partnership with TOEFL and presented its official brand identity as the structure for national and international competitions take shape.
Launched earlier this year as a global initiative of SUL Education and partner agencies, the World English Language Olympics (WELO) aims to “bring together students and institutions through English language excellence”.
WELO has confirmed TOEFL as a co-founding member and official assessment and certification partner for the scheme.
Partnering with TOEFL is a game-changer,” said Slavas Palkevicius, Secretary-General of WELO and Director of SUL Education. “It validates the academic quality of what we are building and supports our mission to connect, inspire, and elevate students worldwide through the power of language.”
Omar Chihane, Global General Manager of TOEFL and newly appointed WELO | World English Language Olympics Governing Committee Member, commented, “We are pleased to be part of this important global initiative. TOEFL has always stood for fairness, transparency, and academic excellence, values that strongly align with WELO’s vision. This partnership supports young learners around the world by giving them access to a unified, international standard of English that is recognised globally. We look forward to supporting WELO in empowering students and expanding opportunities through language.”
Meanwhile, WELO has unveiled its new brand identity (pictured top) as countries begin the process of confirming participation in the 2026 WELO National Qualified. An International Finals event will be held annually in the UK, it has been confirmed.
Earlier this year, several agents were appointed to the WELO Governing Committee after an election process.
Alexandre Argenta, President of Brazilian agency association BELTA , commented, “Brazil is proud to be part of this important global initiative. BELTA will represent WELO in Brazil, giving all agencies the opportunity to participate, collaborate, and bring this project to students across the entire country. This is an inclusive moment for our sector, and the response so far has been extremely positive.”
Berenice Oliva, Director of NEW ENGLISH TRAVEL agency in Torino, Italy and Head of Business Development for WELO, added, “We presented WELO throughout our events in Italy this season, and the response has exceeded all expectations. Hundreds of schools have already confirmed they will join the National Qualifiers. The excitement is tangible — teachers and students are eager to engage.”
A total of 33 countries have now been confirmed for the 2026 National Qualifiers, Slavas advised, including representation from Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
“These confirmations represent an important step forward,” said Juan Manuel Elizalde , Chair of the WELO Governing Committee. “WELO is more than a competition — it is a long-term international academic movement. With so many nations joining together under a shared vision, we are shaping an initiative that can positively influence education worldwide.”
A public tender for national representatives to lead further WELO National competitions has been extended until 16 December 2025. Interested organisations can access more information and guidelines here.
By Matthew Knott, News Editor at StudyTravel Magazine