OKLAHOMA CITY, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009 – The Oklahoma City Thunder and American Fidelity Assurance Company today unveiled the Rolling Thunder Book Bus, a renovated school bus with a replica Thunder basketball court, externally decorated in Thunder colors and loaded with more than 3,000 books to give away to students. The bus made its debut on the South Plaza of the Oklahoma State Capitol. It will travel to schools, museums and community organizations around the area to provide free books to students and encourage reading.
“We are thrilled to introduce Rolling Thunder as a part of our Read to Achieve program that focuses on education, reading and literacy throughout the state of Oklahoma, “ said Dan Mahoney, Thunder Vice President of Corporate Communications and Community Relations. “This is a new, fun way to get books into the hands of young readers.”
In addition to visits by Rolling Thunder, the Thunder continues to spread the importance of literacy through a number of reading incentives and player appearances at schools.
Local organizations and schools can request a Rolling Thunder visit by logging onto thunder.nba.com and click on “community” or call (405) 208-4780.
The Thunder and American Fidelity have also partnered to present the Teacher-of-the-Game during each Thunder home game in which an Oklahoma City teacher is honored. At the conclusion of the season, a Teacher-of-the-Year will be chosen.
"We recognize that increasing student access to reading is vital, and doing so in such a fun and inviting way makes the potential of this partnership even greater. With the book bus, the Thunder impact can extend from the basketball court to the classroom, to the library and even to children's homes," said Dave Lopez, President, American Fidelity Foundation.