(BEIJING, March 2) -- The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad (BOCOG) announced today that English First (EF) has been selected as the Official Language Training Services Supplier of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

As such, EF will provide English training services to the Chinese competition judges, train the host of translators and interpreters that will serve the guests from around the world, and also assist BOCOG in setting up its own English language training program.

Mrs. Yuan Bin, Director of the Marketing Department of BOCOG, expressed her appreciation of EF's participation in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games by saying: "The Olympic Games are not only a grand sporting event, but also an unsurpassed means to intensify cultural exchanges across the globe. The support from the EF professional training team will no doubt contribute to the success of this world event, which will see people from all over the globe congregate in Beijing to share with us the unique experience of the Olympic Games. BOCOG will take measures to strengthen its ties with the Olympic sponsors and help them achieve better results."

"EF feels very honored to be given the opportunity to contribute towards the Beijing Olympic Games. The Olympics are a great chance for China to starting talking to the world , and English is the tool for making it! EF was founded to help overcome the geographic, language and cultural barriers that separate people. This original mission fits nicely with the Olympic cause," commented Bill Fisher, CEO of EF in China.

This is the second time that the company participates in the Olympics: it provided first-rate language services during the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988. Operating in more than 50 countries and regions worldwide, EF not only provides English training for adults, but is also reputed for its English training courses for children and corporations. EF has currently more than 80 schools in more than 50 Chinese cities.