The NBA, the Timberwolves and Lynx are pleased to once again implement the Read to Achieve Starting 5 program. This program coincides with the Read to Achieve initiative, a year-round literacy program campaign to help young people develop a life-long love of reading and to encourage adults to read regularly with children.

Reaching an estimated 50 million children a year, Read to Achieve is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports. Locally, the program consists of a Starting Five reading program, Reading Time Outs, the refurbishment and creation of Reading and Learning Centers, and book donations.

The Read to Achieve program receives league-wide support from the entire NBA family. In addition to being supported by all 30 NBA teams, 16 WNBA teams, and the eight teams that make up the National Basketball Association Development League (NBA D-League), Read to Achieve is supported by the NBA's officials, parents and wives of players organizations, and the NBA Players Association and Retired Player Association. Read to Achieve also expands the NBA's existing partnerships with Scholastic Inc., and Reading Is Fundamental.

Provided below is information about the Read to Achieve Starting 5 program, which runs November 17, 2008-January 16, 2009. Students who read and record at least 500 pages during this time will receive a special Timberwolves prize package. This package includes:

Timberwolves backpack
bookmark and poster
Ticket to the Timberwolves game on March 22 or March 29, 2009

In addition, the top three readers program wide will receive 4 lower level tickets to the March 29 game, watch pregame warm-ups from the bench, be recognized during the game and on the Timberwolves website, and receive a personalized Timberwolves jersey.

Please have your child fill out the reading card in its entirety during the 8-week reading time frame and send it back in. All cards must be postmarked by January 31st, 2009. If you have any questions please contact Amanda Neby at 612.673.1653 or neby@timberwolves.com



Read to Achieve Card and Parent/Guardian Letter
Read to Achieve Teacher Letter

NBA Read To Achieve