Kansas Men’s Basketball to Support Coaching for Literacy
LAWRENCE, Kan. – Head coach Bill Self and the University of Kansas men’s basketball team have joined the list of teams supporting Coaching for Literacy, a non-profit based in Memphis, Tennessee, to promote effective local elementary and middle school literacy programs.
The concept is simple: a monetary donation is made to Coaching for Literacy and in return two people get to be honorary guests with the Kansas Jayhawks on Feb. 14, 2015, as they take on the Baylor Bears. The honorary guests receive, among other perks, access to the shoot-around and locker room, premium tickets for the game, admittance to the post-game press conference, autographed memorabilia and Kansas apparel.
“The ability to read and write at a productive level is a necessity for individuals to achieve success in life,” Self said. “Kansas basketball is proud to support Coaching for Literacy in the fight to radically change the rate of illiteracy in America.”
Proceeds from Self’s Assists Foundation will be allocated to the United Way of Douglas County in Lawrence, Kansas.
“United Way is thrilled to have the assistance of head coach Bill Self, the Kansas Athletic Department and Coaching for Literacy as we work together to ensure children in our community have the support they need to achieve their academic potential,” said Erika Dvorske, United Way of Douglas County president and CEO. “United Way is uniquely positioned to assure these funds target programs that improve literacy in Douglas County.”
A portion of the proceeds will also be allocated to CFL partner literacy programs in Memphis: Memphis Teacher Residency and Streets Ministries.
“The University of Kansas has a rich basketball history and we are honored to have them as a member in our endeavor to drastically change the rate of illiteracy among our nation’s third graders,” said Ryan Viner, executive director of Coaching for Literacy. “Head coach Bill Self and the Kansas Athletic Department truly understand that sports matter and that their influence can be utilized to make a positive impact in our communities.”
The mission of Coaching for Literacy is to increase awareness about the number of people in America who are functionally or totally illiterate and the social problems associated with illiteracy. By leveraging the unique power of collegiate and professional sports, Coaching for Literacy raises money to support effective local literacy programs and schools focused on educating elementary and middle school students.
Interested in being an honorary guest with the Kansas Jayhawks? Want to join the fight against illiteracy? Contact: Ryan Viner (ryan@coachingforliteracy.org).
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