INDIANAPOLIS – Pacers Sports & Entertainment is celebrating Read Across America Week (March 2-6) by bringing the power of reading directly into local classrooms through its “Read Like a Pro” initiative, presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Throughout the week, PS&E and Anthem associate volunteers, along with the Pacemates, will host interactive Reading Timeouts at local elementary schools, reading with students and encouraging them to build lifelong literacy habits.
“Reading opens doors whether it’s in the classroom or in life,” said PS&E SVP of Community Engagement Corey Wilson. “By meeting students where they are and making reading fun, we hope to inspire confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.”
School visits will take place at Hawthorne Elementary School, Liberty Park Elementary School, Erine Pyle School 90, William F. Loper Elementary School, Stout Field Elementary School and Westwood Elementary School.
During each Reading Timeout, students will participate in group read-aloud sessions led by volunteers and special guests, followed by interactive activities designed to make reading fun and engaging. Students will also participate in a month-long Read Like a Pro reading challenge, sponsored by Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker, encouraging them to keep reading at home and at school. Three students from each of the six schools will be selected to win a special Indiana Pacers experience, including a meet and greet with Walker, at the game on April 12 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Read Across America is a nationwide literacy initiative that promotes reading motivation and awareness for children of all ages. The Read Like a Pro program reinforces the organization’s commitment to youth education and community engagement.
Each visit includes group reading sessions, a collaborative activity, raffle prizes and take-home resources that encourage students and families to continue reading beyond the school day.
Pacers Sports & Entertainment annually reaches thousands of youth through education-focused programming, using the platform of sports to promote literacy, leadership and healthy development in communities throughout Indiana.
