BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 1- With a focus on promoting reading and literacy, the New York Knicks and Cablevision’s Power to Learn brought the Knicks Read to Achieve @powertolearn.com 2013 Summer Reading Program, presented by Kia Motors (Official Vehicle of the New York Knicks) in its seventh year of continuous sponsorship, to the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. Participating in the event was New York State Assemblyman Michael Benedetto and former NBA superstar and Knicks Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor John Starks.
After welcoming remarks, Assemblyman Benedetto and John Starks discussed the importance of literacy. They also read aloud from the book, Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball by John Coy.
“Motivating young people to read through programs like this has the potential to open the door to achievement and success,” said Assemblyman Benedetto. “I would like to thank Cablevision, the New York Knicks and Kia Motors for bringing this event to the children in our community allowing them to experience literacy in a truly exciting way and to interact firsthand with an inspiring professional athlete.”
“Programs that encourage children of all ages to read during the summer months not only advance literacy and academic performance in young people, but also help foster a lifelong appreciation for literature and learning,” said Tim Chaney, Executive Director of Marketing Communications for Kia Motors America (KMA). “In this regard, Kia is pleased to present the Knicks Read to Achieve summer reading program for the seventh consecutive year.”
“Cablevision, in conjunction with Kia and the New York Knicks, is pleased to introduce children to popular books and engage them in summer reading through our innovative Read to Achieve program,” said Jennifer Ostrager, Cablevision’s Vice President of Public Affairs. “Cablevision is committed to working with communities throughout the tri-state region to provide them with advanced telecommunications services, as well as a host of educational initiatives.”
Targeted to children ages 6-12, the summer reading event is implemented through participating libraries and community organizations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The literacy event encourages reading through the use of incentives and is highlighted by book giveaways, ticket raffles, free t-shirts and read-aloud events with Knicks alumni and elected officials at select locations.
