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AS a defender Emmerson Boyce is used to an
occasional “BOOKing”.
But now the Latics star is urging youngsters to pick up a book!
This year’s Wigan Athletic Premier League Reading Star was in
Waterstone’s in Wigan town centre on Tuesday to see just what one bunch
of lucky youngsters had decided to buy with some free book tokens.
The day was organised as part of the Premier League initiative to
encourage children to pick up a book. Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust -
who manage the borough’s libraries - has teamed up with Wigan Athletic
to provide 20 children from four local primary schools with a special
treat to promote the benefits of reading.
Last month Year 5 children from Holy Family, Platt Bridge and Platt
Bridge Community school – along with youngsters from Leigh Central and
Sacred Heart toured round the JJB stadium.
Now in its seventh year, Premier League Reading Stars, is an educational
project which harnesses the motivational power of football to encourage
families to enjoy reading.
It targets those hard to reach groups in society who may not have shown
an interest in reading, but who do have a passion for football.
Each of the 20 Premier League teams nominate a 'Reading Champion' to
recommend his favourite book. And although Emmerson chose Wallace and
Gromit “The Bootiful Game” as his children’s favourite his latest read
is about the new heavy weight in global politics.
Emmerson said: “I read a lot of black history books and at the moment
I’m reading Barack Obama’s autobiography.
“It’s a fantastic book and shows you can achieve anything as long as you
put your mind to it and work hard.
“I wish I’d read more as a child and I’m making sure my two young boys
regularly go to the library.
“Libraries have changed so much since I was younger. There are so many
opportunities now with computer access, fun activities and computer
games.
“I’ve really enjoyed being this year’s Wigan Athletic Reading Star and I
hope I’ve encouraged more youngsters to pick up a book.”
Premier League Reading Stars is a unique partnership between the
Football Foundation, Premier League, National Literacy Trust and Arts
Council England.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s executive director Pete Gascoigne
said: “Reading is educational and fun and has a profound affect on
children’s development.
“Emmerson is a fantastic ambassador for Wigan Athletic both on and off
the football pitch and his support has helped to show young people that
reading can be cool.”
All 20 children will also have a chance to meet author Tom Palmer.
-ends-
Notes to Editors: For further information on this press release please
contact David Taylor, PR Manager 01942 486 937 or email
david.taylor@wlct.org
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust: Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust is a
charitable trust working on behalf of Wigan Council to manage and
support leisure and cultural facilities, initiatives and events for over
300,000 residents in the Wigan Borough. See
www.wlct.org
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Emmerson Boyce and youngsters |