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This article was originally published by StudyTravel Magazine and is republished here with attribution.
Author: Matthew Knott, News Editor – StudyTravel Magazine.
The World English Language Olympics (WELO), an industry-led initiative launched last year, has entered a new phase with the competing countries and participation framework confirmed and detailed of the first World Finals announced.
KEY POINTS
In a statement, the Governing Committee of WELO said that it has formally marked completion of its governance and structural consolidation (Phase 2) and is now transitioning to Phase 3 – structured global execution with full operational rollout across participating countries.
The concept of the World English Language Olympics was first announced in February last year, following discussions between junior camp provider SUL Education and partner agencies, and later expanded its committee through the election of agents worldwide. A partnership with TOEFL was also announced in December.
Over the past year, WELO has evolved into a structured international competition across 41 countries.
Chair of WELO Juan Manuel Elizalde explained, “Phase 2 was about building foundations that can sustain international growth. We focused on structure before scale, clarity before expansion. With that work complete, WELO now moves confidently into execution.”
The competing countries in Year One span Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, and National Committees are being formed, supported by agencies of varying size and background, the organisation said.
Secretary-General Slavas Palkevicius commented, “The strength of WELO lies in its diversity. Large and small agencies, established and emerging organisations - all are contributing to a coordinated international structure.”
WELO has now confirmed the structured participation model for the 2026/27 cycle.
Students participate in the WELO Nationals by taking the official WELO TOEFL test at a participation fee of UK£23 (US$31) per student, and the test functions as both an academic benchmark and national qualifying mechanism, Slavas explained.
The defining feature of the ELO model, the organisation said, is a “commitment to merit-based international representation”.
Winners from each participating country will travel to the UK free of charge to compete in the WELO World Finals, which will be held in 2027 at the Royal Hospital School, near Ipswich in Suffolk, which is part of the Inspired Learning Group.
The funding will cover international flights, accommodation, meals, participation costs and local transfers.
Slavas continued, “We have designed a model that balances accessibility and excellence. A modest national participation fee ensures structured engagement, while international finalists compete in the UK fully funded. Achievement - not financial capacity - determines progression.”
The official disciplines framework for the Finals will cover clear academic progression, structured evaluation coherence, defined competitive tracks and transparent assessment criteria.
Berenice Oliva, WELO Head of Business Development, said, “The confirmation of the disciplines gives clarity to schools and students worldwide. It defines the competitive identity of WELO and ensures that preparation is aligned, transparent, and academically coherent.”
As part of the Phase 3 launch, a new WELO.org website is now live, serving as the official global hub, registration system for schools and students, and national coordination interface.
Berenice Oliva, WELO Head of Business Development.
Source: StudyTravel MagazineAuthor: Matthew Knott, News EditorRepublished for informational purposes.