MLS D.C. United

D.C. United Announces Reading Initiative

Published on April 12, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


CHANTILLY, VA (April 12, 2002) - D.C. United announced today a series of events that in collaboration with National Library Week promotes reading in the community. Player appearances, readings and a book drive to be held prior to D.C. United's home match on Saturday, April 20th are all part of the planned festivities.

"By partnering with Reading is Fundamental to promote National Library Week, D.C. United's reading program is reaching farther than ever before," said United Director of Community and Fan Relations Catherine Marquette. "By collecting books before the Kansas City match, the first element of our United Drives for D.C. series offers our fans an opportunity to join us in supporting reading initiatives in our area."

United players Marco Etcheverry, Jose Alegria, Nick Rimando, Brandon Prideaux and Mike Ammann are committed to appear at a variety of libraries and schools in support of the initiative throughout the week. Appearances will include reading sessions, autograph signings and personal interaction with children of all ages.

The schedule will conclude on April 20th at RFK Stadium with a book drive and a bookmark give away. The book drive will represent the first of six community drives brought to you by United Drives for D.C. Series. Fans can bring any new children's book to one of the United Drives for D.C. collection points located outside of RFK Stadium. All books will be donated to Martha's Table, an organization serving the needs of low income and homeless children, families and individuals. In return for donating, fans will receive a special "United Drives for D.C." keychain.

The first 10,000 fans to the April 20th match against the Kansas City Wizards will receive a "Be a Reading Superstar!" bookmark, courtesy of Reading is Fundamental. The bilingual bookmark features images of Marco Etcheverry and Brandon Prideaux, as well as five reading tips for youth.

Affiliated Appearances

Sunday, April 14th, 2002
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK KICK OFF @ Columbia Pike Public Library
816 South Walter Reed Drive in Arlington, VA 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Captain Marco Etcheverry kicks off National Library Week at Arlington County's Columbia Pike public library branch. Join Marco as he reads to the community, shares the importance of reading, answers questions and signs autographs. All kids in attendance will receive promotional items from the Library and from United.

Monday, April 15th, 2002
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CELEBRATION CONTINUES @ Key Elementary School
2300 Veitch Street in Arlington, VA 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Midfielder Jose "Chino" Alegria will read in English and Spanish to approximately 75 5th graders at the bilingual school. "Chino" will also share his views on the importance of reading, answer questions and sign autographs. All kids in attendance will receive promotional items from the Library and from United.

Tuesday, April 16th, 2002
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CELEBRATION CONTINUES @ Drew Elementary School
3500 South 23rd Street in Arlington, VA 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Goalkeeper Nick Rimando continues D.C. United's National Library Week celebration as he attends Drew Elementary School in Arlington, VA. Approximately 150 kindergarteners and first graders will be on hand as Nick reads to them a Dr. Seuss classic, talks about the importance of reading, answers questions and signs autographs. All kids in attendance will receive promotional items from D.C. United.

Thursday, April 18th, 2002
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CELEBRATION CONTINUES @ Sacred Heart Elementary School
1625 Park Road in Washington, D.C. 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Defender Brandon Prideaux will read to students at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Washington, D.C. as part of the continuing celebration of National Library Week. Brandon will read to the students, talk about the importance of reading in his life, answer questions and sign autographs. All kids in attendance will receive promotional items care of D.C. United.

Friday, April 19th, 2002
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CELEBRATION CONTINUES @ Terra Centre Elementary School
6000 Burke Center Parkway in Burke, VA 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Goalkeeper Mike Ammann continues D.C. United's National Library Week celebration as he attends Terra Centre Elementary School in Burke, VA. Mike will read to two sessions of students, 75 students each session, a Dr. Seuss classic, talk about the importance of reading, answer questions and sign autographs. All kids in attendance will receive promotional items from D.C. United.

Saturday, April 20th, 2002
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CELEBRATION CONTINUES @ RFK Stadium
2400 East Capitol Street in Washington, D.C. 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

D.C. United Youth Fan Club members will be in for a special treat on Saturday, April 20th, at the Youth Fan Club Corner as a special guest comes out to read a Dr. Seuss classic and then sign autographs for the kids. The Youth Fan Club Corner opens up at 6:00 p.m. and is a field-level area which Youth Fan Club members can enter to watch D.C. United "up close and personal" as they warm up. To conclude the National Library Week Celebration, in addition to the Y.F.C. Corner reading, the first 10,000 fans entering the game will receive a "Be a Reading Superstar!" bilingual bookmark, courtesy of Reading Is Fundamental.

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