The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, are pleased to announce they are teaming up with Unitil for a second straight year to bring the “Read To Achieve” program to area schools.
An initiative started at the NBA level, “Read To Achieve” is a nationwide program that helps promote a lifelong love of reading to elementary school-aged children. The program includes a member of the Red Claws – be it a player, coach, mascot or staff member – coming to the school and reading aloud in a classroom setting.
“The ‘Read To Achieve’ program is one of many community outreach projects that the Maine Red Claws are proud to be a part of,” said Dajuan Eubanks, president of the Maine Red Claws. “Reading is important at all levels. We are more than thrilled that one of our great partners in Unitil is on board for another year.”
“Supporting education has long been an important part of Unitil’s commitment to the communities we serve,” said Alec O’Meara, media relations manager for Unitil. “The Red Claws players are wonderful mentors who have a unique ability to inspire students to love reading and learning. We’re proud to again partner with the team to bring the “Read To Achieve” program to schools across Maine.”
As part of the sponsorship, Unitil will host a “Read To Achieve” night at the Red Claws’ March 13 game. Fans will be encouraged to bring children’s books to donate to a local charitable organization.
“Read To Achieve” will begin next Monday, Dec. 7 – Red Claws players Kevin Young and Ella Ellis will visit Brown Elementary School in South Portland. Another visit is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 9 at Small Elementary in South Portland. Media are encouraged to attend. Please contact Evans Boston at eboston@maineredclaws.com for more information.
About the Maine Red Claws
2015-16 marks the seventh season for the Maine Red Claws. The Red Claws have been the minor league affiliate of the Boston Celtics since their inaugural season of 2009-10, and 2015-16 marks the fourth season of a“hybrid” affiliation between the two teams. Under the hybrid model, the Boston Celtics have contracted to run the basketball operations for the Maine Red Claws, including the hiring and training of the coaching and training staff as well as the all player transactions and will act as the Red Claws’ sole NBA partner. The Red Claws play their home games at the Portland Expo Building. The franchise is owned and operated by Maine Basketball, LLC, which is principally owned by Bill Ryan Sr., the retired chairman of TD Bank, and Bill Ryan Jr. who serves as the team’s chairman.
About the NBA Development League
The NBA Development League is the NBA’s official minor league, preparing players, coaches, officials, trainers, and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 19 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2015-16 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. An all-time high 38 percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2014-15 season boasted NBA D-League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. Fans can watch all NBA D-League games on nbadleague.com.
