Knicks Alumnus John Starks Participates in Cablevision Power to Learn Summer Reading Event at Baldwin Public Library

Baldwin, NY, July 23, 2013 - With a focus on promoting reading and literacy, the New York Knicks and Cablevision’s Power to Learn today brought the Knicks Read to Achieve @powertolearn.com 2013 Summer Reading Program, presented by Kia Motors (Official Vehicle of the New York Knicks) in its seventh year of continuous sponsorship, to the Baldwin Public Library.  Participating in the event were Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray along with former NBA superstar and Knicks Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor John Starks.

After welcoming remarks from Library Director Catherine Overton, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Murray and NBA superstar Starks then discussed the importance of literacy.  They also read aloud from the book, Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball by John Coy. 

“A child's reading skills are vital to their success in school and later in life.  Reading can also be a fun and imaginative activity that opens the doors to all kinds of new worlds,” said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Murray.  “Thanks to Cablevision’s Power to Learn, the New York Knicks and Kia Motors the children here today participated in an exciting program that is focused on reading success and also had the opportunity to meet an inspiring role model.”

“Programs that encourage children of all ages to read during the summer months not only advance literacy and academic performance in young people, but also help foster a lifelong appreciation for literature and learning,” said Tim Chaney, Executive Director of Marketing Communications for Kia Motors America (KMA).  “In this regard, Kia is pleased to present the Knicks Read to Achieve summer reading program for the seventh consecutive year.”

“Cablevision, in conjunction with Kia and the New York Knicks, is pleased to introduce children to popular books and engage them in summer reading through our innovative Read to Achieve program,” said Jennifer Ostrager, Cablevision’s Vice President of Public Affairs.  “Cablevision is committed to working with communities throughout the tri-state region to provide them with advanced telecommunications services, as well as a host of educational initiatives.”

Targeted to children ages 6-12, the summer reading event is implemented through participating libraries and community organizations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  The literacy event encourages reading through the use of incentives and is highlighted by book giveaways, ticket raffles, free t-shirts and read-aloud events with Knicks alumni and elected officials at select locations. 

Power to Learn, Cablevision’s nationally recognized education initiative, is dedicated to integrating technology into education.  Through its “Triple Play for Education” technology offer, Cablevision provides its full suite of video, high-speed Internet and digital voice-over-cable services to schools for educational use.  These services are available free of charge to K-12 schools across the company's service area in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  In addition to providing the technology, Power to Learn also provides innovative educational curricula and tools designed to make technology useful to teachers, students and parents.  More information and content is available at www.powertolearn.com.

Kia Motors America is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 765 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA. In 2012, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and gained U.S. market share for the 18th consecutive year. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

Cablevision Systems Corporation is one of the nation's leading media and telecommunications companies, delivering its Optimum-branded television, phone and Internet, offerings throughout the New York area. Cablevision’s local media properties include News 12 Networks, MSG Varsity and Newsday Media Group.  Additional information about Cablevision is available on the Web at www.cablevision.com.

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Cablevision’s Power to Learn Knicks Read to Achieve Event at Baldwin Public Library (L to R): Luke Kim, Kia Motors Representative; Jeff Clark, Cablevision; Catherine Overton, Library Director; Kate Murray, Town of Hempstead Supervisor; John Starks, Former NBA Star and Knicks Player; Carl Williams, President, Baldwin Public Library Board of Trustees