Despite the workload, Sade Dunbar still has plenty to smile about. - File

If you're into numbers, then put 105 on your list.

That's the number Sade Dunbar, The Gleaner's Children's Own Spelling Bee champion, will wear at the Scripps National contest when spellers participate in the preliminary oral rounds this morning.

Sade is one of 288 spellers vying for the title this year in Washington, DC, United States.

Written test

Spellers did a 50-word written test on Monday and Tuesday. Under Scripps rules, organisers randomly pick 25 of the words from each speller.

Sade was so intent on preparing, she did not take part in the tours on yesterday's leisure day.

"I think I did all right (in the written test). I'm just reviewing now," she said yesterday afternoon when The Gleaner called the Grand Hyatt Washington hotel.

The number of words the contestants correctly spell from therandom 25, plus the words they get correct in today's preliminary round, determine whether the contestants are called to participate in the quarter-final round this afternoon.

Coach, the Rev Glen Archer, is optimistic that Sade will move to the quarter-finals.

"She's in good nick," he said.

Today's sessions will not be televised but local viewers will be able to see the semi-final round live on ESPN starting at 10 a.m.