Knicks Read to Achieve at Covert

With a focus on promoting reading and literacy, Optimum Community and Madison Square Garden brought the ninth annual Knicks Read to Achieve summer reading program to Covert Avenue Elementary School on Aug. 20. Former NBA star and Knicks alumnus John Starks took part, along with State Sen. Jack Martins.

After welcoming remarks from Elmont School District Superintendent Al Harper, Optimum Community emcee
Lou Brogno discussed the Knicks Read to Achieve program and then introduced Martins and Starks, who spoke to the children about the importance of literacy and summer reading. They also read aloud from the popular children’s book “Salt in His Shoes,” by Deloris Jordan.

Afterward, children took part in a fun interactive quiz about the book, a raffle for New York Liberty tickets and an autograph session. They were also given copies of the book, T-shirts and Knicks bags.

“The research is clear that children who don’t read during the summer can lose up to three months of reading progress, and that loss has a cumulative, long-term effect,” said Martins. “For this reason, it’s important to find novel ways to get books into the hands of children during the summer break. The innovative program today from Optimum Community, the Knicks and Madison Square Garden does just that.”

“We are pleased to promote summer reading, in conjunction with Madison Square Garden, for the ninth consecutive year,” said Jennifer Ostrager, Cablevision’s vice president of public affairs. “Enhancing reading skills through events such as the Knicks Read to Achieve summer reading program has the potential to open the door to lifelong achievement.”

Targeted at children ages 6 to 12, Knicks Read to Achieve consists of a series of reading events at libraries, camps and community centers throughout the metropolitan area. The program encourages reading through the use of incentives, and is highlighted by book giveaways.