The centerpiece of the NBDL's community relations platform is the Read to Achieve initiative. As in the NBA and WNBA, Read to Achieve works to promote the love of reading and online literacy and to encourage families and adults to read regularly with young children.
Students of Byrd Middle School show their excitement about reading with George Williams and Geoff Owens of the Roanoke Dazzle during Read to Achieve Week.
Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images
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Throughout the year, teams execute a number of reading-related programs and activities. These programs take place at schools, libraries and community organizations, as well as in NBDL arenas.
In addition, with the support of national partners such as Reading Is Fundamental and Scholastic Inc., Read to Achieve will provide over 150,000 kids with reading materials such as reading kits and books throughout the six NBDL communities.
Read to Achieve Pledge
Welcome Back to School Events
Read to Achieve Day
Monthly Reading Timeouts
GOALS
To build a lifelong love of reading in young people by providing greater access to books and technology
To encourage and engage members of the NBDL family, including players, League and team personnel, coaches, members of the 3-Point Community Council, wives and parents to participate in the program as Volunteer Reading Coaches
To provide support to schools, community organizations, and other nonprofits as they work to encourage kids to read
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READ TO ACHIEVE PLEDGE
Reading is fun and books are cool too,
I will read a book daily to learn something new.
I will learn different words and I will listen in school,
When teachers read stories and share reading rules.
I will practice my skills in every way,
Reading is something I will do everyday.
Reading offers great adventures to me,
Reading will help me be the best I can be.
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Rivvy D and Riverdragons Staff welcome students back to Midland Academy for the 2003-04 school year.
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WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL EVENTS
The National Basketball Development League tips off every school year with a variety of Back-to-School programs throughout the Southeastern United States. Team Presidents, head coaches, and staff welcome students back into the classrooms and participate in various reading programs.
READ TO ACHIEVE DAY
Engaging children and our players in shared reading activities is the focus of Read to Achieve Day events, held in early November. 100-150 students are invited to watch the team practice in the arena, with an authentic game environment provided by the Interactive Squad members. After practice, the students are invited onto the court where they will be welcomed by the Team President or Head Coach, players and other staff. The court is set up with different reading and arts and crafts stations hosted by players and staff. Each group of students rotates through the stations, getting a chance to meet different players and staff, as well as participate in different activities.
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NBDL President Phil Evans reads to students at Monrovia Elementary School in Huntsville.
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READING TIMEOUTS
The primary goal of Reading Timeouts is to foster personal connections between players and kids, as well as with teams and local organizations. These events are held at various locations at different times throughout the year, with many centered around themes or specific holidays. During the event, players, coaches, team personnel, as well as people from the local community, read aloud a book (perhaps their favorite childhood story), integrating questions and engaging the students throughout. After the book is complete, there is time for questions and autograph and photo opportunities with the players.
For more information on these programs and other events taking place in your community, please call your favorite NBDL team or visit their web site.
