Monday 21 February 2005
Super 12 players to launch second Canterbury Reading Crusade
Crusaders Dave Hewett, Sam Broomhall, Casey Laulala and Corey Flynn will be among the VIPs to officially launch this
year’s Reading Crusade at Christchurch Central Library on Wednesday 23 February.
The chance to be a Crusader for a day and meet their favourite rugby heroes is expected to attract up to 20,000 children
to take part in the Crusade, which aims to encourage children, specially boys, into a life long habit of reading.
Dave Hewett said, “for me the Reading Crusade has highlighted that there is a problem with boys not reading and how we
(the Crusaders) can make a difference as role models for kids who love sport and the outdoors.” He said he and his wife
had three young children, whom they read to each night. “It (being a good reader) is such a great asset and you need to
start when you’re young.”
Among the other guests at Wednesday’s launch will be Associate Minister of Education David Benson-Pope, parents,
teachers and about 100 school children, who have been selected as ambassadors-for-the-day by their schools.
Organised by Christchurch City Libraries in partnership with the Rebel Sport Super 12 2005 rugby team, the Reading
Crusade is open to all primary and intermediate school children in the Crusaders franchise catchment, which includes
Canterbury, the West Coast, Nelson and Marlborough.
To join the Reading Crusade, all children need to do is read eight fiction or non-fiction books and send an entry form
to Christchurch City Libraries by 15 April. They will then be in the draw for some fantastic prizes including several
chances to be a Crusader for a Day. Every child who takes part will receive a Reading Crusade certificate, printed with
the signatures of the Rebel Sport Super 12 rugby team. The prizegiving for the Crusade will be held at Jade Stadium on
Wednesday 4 May.
More information about The Reading Crusade is available on www.library.christchurch.org.nz. Favourite reads from the
Crusaders and reading suggestions from children who have already entered the Crusade feature on the site, along with the
entry form and a map showing the schools that have taken up the challenge. Entry forms will also be available from all
Christchurch City Libraries from Wednesday 23 February.
In the next few months, the Crusaders will visit New Brighton, Linwood and South Libraries to promote the Reading
Crusade and meet children from various Christchurch schools. As part of a new player development programme, they will
also be visiting schools to work one-on-one with children to help them improve their reading skills.
This is the second time the Crusaders and Christchurch City Libraries have worked together on a Reading Crusade. The
first in 2003 attracted 7,000 entries and gained a 3M Innovation Award for Reading Literacy.
Media Invitation Reporters and photographers are invited to the launch of the Reading Crusade in the Centre for the
Child, Christchurch Central Library at 12.30 pm on Wednesday 23 February.
ENDS