Yonkers, NY, July 11, 2012 - With a focus on promoting reading and literacy, the New York Knicks and Cablevision's Power to Learn brought the Knicks Read to Achieve @powertolearn.com 2012 Summer Reading Program, presented by Kia Motors (Official Vehicle of the New York Knicks), to the Yonkers Riverfront Library.  Participating in the event were Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, Mayor Mike Spano, Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and former NBA superstar John Starks. The special guests joined Starks in discussing the importance of literacy with regard to achieving one's goals in life.  They then read aloud from the popular book, Giant Steps to Change the World, by Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee.  Following the reading, the children took part in a fun "Knicks Postcard Club" quiz about the book and participated in raffles and autograph signings.

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"Summer is a great time for a child to cultivate a love of reading and what better way to do that than through an event that blends story-time with all-star athletics," said Assemblyman Pretlow.  "I applaud Cablevision, the New York Knicks and Kia Motors for today's innovative youth-oriented program.  I'm sure each child here will benefit from participating today."

Mayor Spano noted, "Literacy is a key ingredient for success and reading during the summer months can have a significant impact on a child's academic performance in the fall.  I am pleased to be part of this Cablevision event that provides positive reading experiences and helps children maintain their reading proficiency in such an engaging way."

"Motivating children to read through programs such as this can lead them to be more involved in their studies and be better prepared for the future," said Tim Chaney, director, marketing communications, KMA.  "Kia Motors is pleased to present the Knicks Read to Achieve @powetolearn.com summer reading program for the fifth consecutive year to open the door to lifelong achievement."