Members of the Ontario Reign hockey team and elementary students from the Inland Empire community celebrated “Read Across America Day”, an event that takes place once a year across the nation, in an effort to raise reading awareness.
Players from the minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings joined students together March 2 to encourage children to read in honor of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
Reign players read multiple Dr. Seuss books and “The Magic Hockey Stick” to the children.
“The goal of the reading events, and others we do throughout the season, is to give back to the community that supports us all year long,” said Ashley Factor, a public relations intern for the Reign. “Reading is so important, and we try to relay that message by having the team visit schools and read to students as often as possible.”
While parents, children, staff members and community leaders focused their attention on the players, the players and the organization focus on those in the community.
“We don't want to be thought of as just a hockey team, but positive role models as well,” said Factor. “We have a great opportunity to set an example and give back to the people that come out and support us. We know that our team would not exist if not for the support of the community, and it is vital for us to recognize that and lend a hand whenever we have the chance."
The players involved in the events stressed the importance of reading and the impact it has throughout life, referring to reading as the building block of learning.
“Learning to read is obviously the building block to what you’re going to do in the upper grades of school,” said Reign forward Greg Hogeboom. “It’s obviously very important like learning basic math skills.”
Goaltender Curtis Darling said, “We can’t be here as often as we’d like but we can teach them something about hockey players and [athletes] reading, and it will hopefully gain a little more interest.”
Defenseman Shawn Germain referred to his childhood when he looked up to professional athletes, and the impact they can have in life and education.
“I think any time we’re fortunate enough to be in a position where kids look up to us and any time you can set a good example by coming to them and reading is a positive thing,” Germain said. “It means a lot to me to be able to get out in the community, Ontario has been great to me, it’s just great to give a little bit back.”
According to all of the players involved, giving back to the community is one of the main priorities, as the community and fans are an integral part of the sport.
“They’re like role models,” said Ricardo Zamora, a fourth-grade teacher at Arroyo Elementary. “[The kids] see a professional hockey player coming out and reading, hopefully it will inspire them to read too. It’s very nice and generous of them to take their time to come out and help support the kids in a positive way
Arroyo Elementary parent Frank Ramirez agreed with Zamora, reiterating the importance of reading and the impact the players have on the children.
“I think it’s great,” said Ramirez. “It’s a great thing for them to volunteer their time to the kids. Reading is basically how you get through life, and the players can relay that message.”
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