Toyota, the NBA, and the Phoenix Suns Celebrate the Opening of the new Tempe YMCA Reading & Learning Center

By Allison Leach, Jrsuns.com
Posted: November 14th, 2008

On Tuesday, November 11, 2008 the Phoenix Suns held a special event with Toyota and the NBA for the opening of the Tempe YMCA Reading and Learning Center.

The opening started with a press conference which included Suns guards Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, and Goran Dragic made a special visit to the Tempe YMCA. NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Bob Lanier was introduced by a Tempe YMCA Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury member. Lanier talked to the Tempe YMCA kids about their new Reading and Learning Center and thanked Toyota, the NBA and the Phoenix Suns for partnering on this project.

The center was completely revamped with new couches, beanbags, laptops, books, and Phoenix Suns memorabilia. When the center opened that Tuesday afternoon Goran Dragic cut the ceremonial ribbon with the help of Bob Lanier, George Scobas of Valley of the Sun YMCA, Brad Thomas of Toyota, Steve Nash, and Leandro Barbosa. Goran Dragic then took some Tempe YMCA kids to the new laptops and showed them around. Leandro Barbosa played Monopoly with a few kids, and Steve Nash read his favorite book from Dr. Seuss to a large crowd of kids. The Suns Gorilla also made a visit to the new Reading and Learning Center and showed the Tempe YMCA kids and parents around the center.

Toyota Project Rebound is in its second season as a community initiative started by the NBA and Toyota. The program works on 15 different community service projects that are hosted by NBA and WNBA teams. The Phoenix Suns were lucky enough to partner up with one of these projects for the Tempe YMCA Reading and Learning Center. All together, this is the Suns sixth reading and learning center they have built in the past five years. The reading and learning centers give kids the necessary tools to help them with homework, school projects, and advance their learning.

The event had a great turnout especially since most of the kids had the day off for Veteran’s Day. Everyone in attendance had a great time at the opening and the Phoenix Suns were proud to be a part of this project with Toyota and the NBA.

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