NEW YORK, Sept. 6 -- Thursday morning in New York City, Knicks center Marcus Camby held his fourth annual "March with Marcus," a show of support for students on the first day of the school year.

Camby met the young elementary school students in Harlem at Colonel Young Park, and they marched four blocks together to Public School 194. On the way, they spoke about the importance of reading and how important an education is in achieving your goals. Upon arriving at the school, Camby distributed "March with Marcus" backpacks full of school supplies and books donated by Camby, the New York Knicks, the NBA and Scholastic.

Camby is the National Spokesperson for the NBA's "Back to School" program in which players throughout the league will accompany students in their local team markets to their first day of school. The NBA is modeling this national program, in which all 29 teams will host a back to school event, after Camby's successful initiative. Camby aspires to be a school principal when his playing days are over and to help reach this goal, he "adopted" P.S. 194 last season, visiting the school to regularly to consult with Principal Sandy Small and take part in educational programs with the students.

Marcus Camby walked students from Public School 194 to school.
Ray Amati/NBAE Photos

Camby and Clifford the Big Red Dog at the event.
Ray Amati/NBAE Photos

Backpacks full of school supplies and books were distributed to the students.
Ray Amati/NBAE Photos

Marcus takes time to talk to a young student.
Ray Amati/NBAE Photos