When I was a child, I won a National Spelling Bee.
OH, You must be from the United States, The National Spelling Bee is an american event. 
Yes. I am. Have you ever taken part in a spelling bee?
No, I am from Canada, while participants from others countries are accepted, they must be regional (from the US) spelling bee winners. 
Ah. I think having spelling bees are important as they offer young people a chance to win something academically rather than just through sports.
Yeah, It is also prestigious, every territories of the US ( Guam, Samoa, Virgin Island) participate.