LOCAL GIRL IS TO BECOME THE NEXT CAROL VORDERMAN

Numeracy has remained high on the Government's education agenda and Rummikub one of the world's most popular numbers games from Goliath Games is set to make a genuine contribution toward the improvement of numeracy skills in schools both in the UK and Europe - as well as being fun to play.

Surrey-based Harri Bungay, aged 13, has challenged the UK's top games experts to become the youngest ever Rummikub champion at the UK Rummikub Tournament held at Alexandra Palace on 23rd August 2000. She will now go forward to the World Rummikub Tournament in Paris in October where she will pay 30 competitors from around the world.

For the first time ever, the UK Rummikub Championships attracted over 15 school children from around the country eager to beat their adult opponents to prove that UK kids have a cool head for figures. Out of the 20 competitors taking part in this year's tournament, the school children outweighed the adults by 3-1.

Harri Bungay commented

"I am really looking forward to going to Paris and feel confident about becoming the World Rummikub Champion. Although maths is not my favourite subject, winning this competition will hopefully make me better and perhaps one day follow in the footsteps of Carol Vorderman"

Having trailed and tested the game in various schools around the country and at The European School in Culham, the teacher/pupil feedback is overwhelming. David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Education is also keen to promote Rummikub's gorwing use as a teaching aid for numeracy problems in primary schools.

Amir Golad, Managing Director of Goliath Games commented

"We have it on good authority that even The Prime Minister and his family have enjoyed many happy games of Rummikub" he continued, "I believe that if a child's standard of numeracy can be improved while playing a game, this has obvious advantages, the added benefit of developing social skills, for example, is high on the education agenda"

Rummikub is enjoyed by over 200 million people worldwide and there are Rummikub clubs in over 30 countries.

For more information, please contact

Claire Sawkins
Goliath Games PR Manager
Tel 0831 452012
E-Mail Claire.sawkins@torch.co.uk

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