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D.C. United

United Reads returns for the 2007-2008 school year

October 10, 2007 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


Washington, D.C. (October 10, 2007) - United for D.C. announced today plans for the 2007-2008 United Reads program schedule. With the help of a $6,000 grant from Verizon Foundation, United Reads now services six local elementary schools, reaching nearly 1,800 students. Through a partnership with The Heart of America Foundation, United Reads augments the reading initiative with proper educational resources. The Heart of America serves as a valuable resource for the new books distributed at reading visits hosted by United players and staff.

"With the start of a new school year, United for D.C. and our great partners at Verizon Foundation and The Heart of America Foundation are excited about the United Reads program," said United for D.C. Program manager Sara Peterson. "Together, we are proud to be working with school teachers and administrators to assist in the educational process of those in need."

The fall season is highlighted by a host of player appearances at participating schools. United Reads will be at Payne Elementary, Smothers Elementary, Howard Road Academy, Birney Elementary, as well as newly added Ketcham Elementary and Savoy Elementary schools between October 11 and October 18. During the visits, each student will receive three new books courtesy of the program. In addition to the new books, United Reads provides free access to learning materials and an annual reading challenge.

The following is the fall school schedule for United Reads player appearances:

Players: Bobby Boswell, Jay Nolly
Where: Ketcham Elementary
When: Thursday, October 11 from 1:45-3:15 p.m.

Players: Josh Gros, Jamil Walker
Where: Birney and Savoy Elementary
When: Friday, October 12 from 1:45-3:15 p.m.

Players: Shawn Crowe, Brad North
Where: Howard Road Academy
When: Tuesday, October 16 from 1:45-3:15 p.m.

Players: Rod Dyachenko, Bryan Arguez
Where: Smothers Elementary
When: Wednesday, October 17 from 1:45-3:15 p.m.

Players: Greg Vanney, Clyde Simms
Where: Payne Elementary
When: Thursday, October 18 from 1:45-3:15 p.m.

In 2002, United for D.C. established the first United Reads School at Payne Elementary in Washington, D.C., the closest elementary school to RFK Stadium. Smothers Elementary was the next school to join in 2003, followed by Howard Road Academy in 2004 and Birney Elementary in 2005. United Reads provides the students at these schools the opportunity to create their own personal libraries through the distribution of free children's books throughout the school year. The program has also been established in several local Health Centers.

United Reads is only one of the foundation's initiatives. In its fourth season, United Soccer Club is now present in three District locations East of the River. The current program will run for eight weeks at each site, teaching fundamental skills and conducting scrimmages. Between the three sites, United Soccer Club has a team participating in the Soccer on the Hill League, which holds games Saturday mornings at Anacostia Park. Through the Kicks for Kids program, more than 10,000 underprivileged children will have an opportunity to watch D.C. United play this season alone. The organization also funded a summer art initiative hosted by local Ward 8 artist and activist Tendani Mpulubusi.

For more information about United for D.C., its programs or its fundraising activities, or for more information about United Reads, please contact Sara Peterson at 202-587-5434 or at speterson@dcunited.com or visit www.unitedfordc.org .

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