Fresno State Athletics
Bulldog Athletes, Coaches Join ReadFresno Team
4/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 27, 2006
April 27, 2006
FRESNO, Calif.- As part of an ongoing University-wide participation in the ReadFresno initiative, the Fresno State Athletics Department announced today it is beginning a comprehensive plan where all 17 Bulldog teams will participate in the program.
The vision of ReadFresno is that every child will read on grade level by the end of the third grade. To accomplish this, ReadFresno has launched a city- and county-wide literacy initiative for children in pre-kindergarten through third grades, and using an army of volunteers, collaborate with families, schools, faith- and community-based organizations, and institutions to accomplish this vision. The focus of the ReadFresno Initiative will start with those children reading below grade level, targeting children in neighborhoods surrounding the 50 lowest-performing elementary schools in Fresno County. The ReadFresno project successfully launched its pilot program in four schools in March 2005 and continues to add more schools and volunteers to the program.
"I can't think of a more noble cause than teaching young people in our community to become more skilled in reading," said Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh. "As an institution of higher education, it is our job to inspire others to learn. The basic foundation for our educational system is reading. When young children can become more accomplished as readers, their opportunities to learn and grow in will increase significantly."
On Wednesday, Head football coach Pat Hill and Bulldog players Moses Harris, Bear Pascoe, Wilson Ramos and Ryan McKinley participated in the ReadFresno program at Wolters Elementary School. Hill and the players read their favorite childhood books to the children at the school.
"We are always looking for ways to assist the youth of the Valley," said Hill. "The ReadFresno project is one that affects everyone. Reading is the most important skill we can teach the young students of our community."
The Fresno State Athletics Department has help book drives to assist ReadFresno and several teams are already participating in this project. In the coming months, the department will assist the initiative by having student-athletes, coaches and staff members from all 17 teams will participate by reading to students at area elementary schools. The department is committed to increasing the visibility of the program through marketing and promotional opportunities at Bulldog events and by providing a presence on the official athletics department website, www.gobulldogs.com.
For more information about ReadFresno visit www.ReadFresno.org.
