Storm Kicks Off 2005 Read to Achieve

The Seattle Storm kicked off this summer�s Read to Achieve program, sponsored by Starbucks, with help from an Aussie and a rookie. Players Suzy Batkovic and Tanisha Wright joined local children and their parents at the Magnolia Library for a �Storm Reading Timeout� Tuesday.

The event started with Tanisha reading Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong. The book, a comic retelling of a Chinese folktale, touches on the mystery of magic and the trouble it can sometimes bring. Suzy provided color commentary and at the end gave the kids a little quiz. It was quickly evident that everyone had paid attention and was eager to win prizes.


Batkovic and Wright pose with a young reader.
Wyjuana Montgomery/Storm Photos.
�It was a great way to get in the community and show the kids we�re regular people,� said Wright. �I�m used to being in front of kids as part of my field work for becoming a teacher and it was an awesome experience.�

The players then distributed books to each child. The books, donated by DisneyHand/Reading Together, included titles from Lizzie Maguire and Spy Kids. The players also signed autographs and took photos with the attendees.

�I enjoyed myself hanging out with the kids,� said Batkovic. �It�s very important that we stress reading as a way to get a good education. I had a blast!�

Read to Achieve is a year-round, league-wide initiative supported by all 30 NBA teams, 13 WNBA teams, and 6 NBDL teams that promotes the value of reading and on-line literacy and encourages families and adults to read regularly with young children. It is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports. The program includes the annual donation of more than 200,000 books through a variety of reading events and book fairs, as well as the development of essay contests and on-line programs and the creation of Reading and Learning Centers throughout North America.


Batkovic congratulates a reader for a correct answer.
Wyjuana Montgomery/Storm Photos.


Children recite the Read to Achieve pledge.
Wyjuana Montgomery/Storm Photos.