Wayne, NJ, July 12, 2011 - With a focus on promoting reading and literacy during the summer months, the New York Knicks and Power to Learn brought the Knicks Read to Achieve @powertolearn.com 2011 Summer Reading Program, presented by Kia Motors, to the Boys & Girls Club of Wayne, NJ, in an event that blended story-time and all-star athletics. Kia Motors is the Official Vehicle of the New York Knicks. At the event, Wayne's Club Unit Director Dave Font introduced Cablevision's VP of Education Trent Anderson who spoke to the children, parents and attending guests about the importance of reading during the summer months.  Assemblyman Scott Rumana - who serves on the Education Committee of the New Jersey Legislature - and former NBA superstar John Starks, who hit more than 1,000 three-pointers in his career, also spoke about literacy and achievement.  Assemblyman Rumana and NBA superstar Starks then read aloud from Graham Salisbury's popular book, Calvin Coconut: Trouble Magnet, of which a copy was given to each child as they entered the gymnasium.  Following the read-along, the children took part in an interactive "Knicks Postcard Club" quiz about the book to test their comprehension skills. They then qualified for a raffle to earn exciting Knicks and Power to Learn prizes, and afterwards were able to get John Starks' autograph on their copy of the book.

Video of Event  (02:24 mins)

View Slide Show >>

"With a firm belief that literacy is an essential ingredient for success, Kia is pleased to present the Knicks Read to Achieve @powertolearn.com Summer Reading Program for the fifth consecutive year," said Tim Chaney, director, marketing communications, KMA  "Motivating children to read through programs such as this has the potential to open the door to lifelong achievement."

"Statistics show that children who read during the summer months have better academic performance during the school year," said Karin Buchholz, Vice President of Community Relations, NY Knicks and Liberty. "We are proud to have the New York Knicks join with Cablevision to help instill a love of reading in children.  We also applaud Kia Motors for their ongoing commitment to education in the community."