Grizzlies.com : Home of the Memphis Grizzlies
Grizzlies hold Read to Achieve Tip-Off at Snowden School
Players Anderson, Battier, Wright & Knight read to students
 Shane reads The 13th Floor to students in his class group. |
Team members and Knight assisted fourth and fifth grade students in reading and creating a commemorative book mark signed by the player and student. A group book discussion led by an All-Star member followed. Plus, the Grizzlies team mascot, Grizz, was there to lend a helping hand.
“The NBA’s Read to Achieve program promotes the value of reading and literacy as well as encourages families and adults to read regularly with young children,” said Richard Cohee, Grizzlies Director of Community Investment. “It is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports.”
In addition to a $100 million a year promotional campaign, the NBA’s effort includes the annual donation of more than 200,000 books through a variety of reading events and book fairs as well as the development of essay contests and on-line programs. Thousands of students in Memphis and Shelby County will be impacted by this year-round program.
Integral components of the program are national and local All-Star reading teams comprised of current and former NBA and WNBA players and other members of the NBA family including officials, parents and spouses of players. Together the All-Star reading teams will promote reading efforts through in-arena events, Public Service Announcements, and community appearances throughout the year.
