August 10, 2004

Theo Ratliff and the Portland Trail Blazers teamed up with adidas to host a summer reading celebration at the Police Activities League Youth Center.

The focus of the celebration was to emphasize the importance of reading, especially during the summer months, and the value of leading an active and healthy lifestyle.

The celebration included an assembly to discuss the value of reading and continued with Theo Ratliff leading the children in a series of basketball drills.

Following the assembly each child received a book to take home courtesy of adidas and the Portland Trail Blazers. Once the child reads the book, adidas will provide them with a backpack as a reward.

Ratliff also participated in a "Reading Time Out" at the Center and a youth-led tour of the facility. In addition to the books, adidas is donating 150 pairs of basketball shoes to the PAL program.

adidas and the Trail Blazers are teaming up to support the Police Activities League and their efforts in building positive relationships between youth, law enforcement and the community through recreational, athletic and educational programs.

The NBA's national community initiative focuses on youth literacy through the Read to Achieve Program. adidas and Trail Blazers' partnership will promote the importance of young people striving for excellence by staying healthy and
living smart.