Dec. 14, 2012

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BOSTON- Boston University's Athletic Department spread holiday cheer through their 16th Annual Holiday Reading Program, which brought over 300 Boston University student-athletes into Boston Public Schools to read to Boston school children. In conjunction with BU's Government and Community Affairs Department, the athletes read to elementary school children and then present each student with a book purchased by Boston University. Elementary school students and administrators were also presented with vouchers for free tickets to upcoming BU athletic events.

The two-day event, held this year on Dec. 13 and 14, took place at schools in Allston/Brighton, Chinatown, the South End, Roxbury and as far away as East Boston. 310 Terrier varsity and club student-athletes volunteered to participate in the program this year, spreading holiday cheer and connecting with more than 800 youngsters, many of whose schools neighbor the Charles River and Medical campuses.

"We hope the BU student-athlete holiday reading program inspired all of the Boston school children to emulate the wonderful success and caring for others that the BU student-athletes demonstrate," said Joe Walsh, Director of Community Relations at B.U. "It was our pleasure to see BU's best and brightest out in the community as mentors and role models once again."

In addition to each student receiving a book, each classroom was also given a book donated by BU for the teacher's permanent collection. In all, student-athletes from all Boston University's 23 teams will participate this year along with BU's mascot Rhett.