EF Education First Appointed Official Supplier of Language Training Services for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

EF Education First has been appointed Official Supplier of Language Training Services for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The international education company will deliver language training to 110,000 Rio 2016 staff as well as to over 900,000 candidates for the Olympic volunteer program, contractors, and school children in Brazil. In total, more than 1,000,000 people will be trained, making this the world's largest language training program in progress.

The appointment builds on EF's long association with the Olympics - stretching back to the Seoul Games in 1988, to most recently as Official Language Supplier to the Sochi 2014 Games.

"We are enormously proud to be the Official Language Training Services Supplier to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Philip Hult, EF co-Chairman. "With a shared mission in promoting international friendship and exchange, EF has a strong background in supporting the Olympics. As we celebrate EF's 50^th anniversary, we are committed to helping stage the most successful Games ever."

EF's English Proficiency Index (EF EPI Third Edition), measuring English ability around the world, shows that language proficiency among Brazilian adults has risen significantly over the past six years. The preparations for the Rio Games are expected to further improve Brazil's English proficiency.

Carlos Arthur Nuzman, President of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee, says, "We are very pleased to partner with the expertise and experience of EF, to fulfill our common goal of creating a lasting legacy for language learning in Brazil. This program will provide many thousands of volunteers and staff involved with the Rio 2016 Games with the language skills necessary to warmly welcome athletes and visitors from all around the world. The skills will also benefit these individuals in their future lives and careers, providing a positive contribution to society well beyond 2016."

About EF Education First

EF Education First (http://www.ef.com) was established in 1965 with the mission to break down barriers of language, culture, and geography. With 500 schools and offices in 52 countries, EF specializes in language learning, educational travel, academic degrees, and cultural exchange. Furthermore, EF's online English school, Englishtown.com has been selected the Official English School of the Brazilian Football Confederation.