MANCHESTER, N.H. – September 10, 2013 – The New Hampshire Fisher Cats have introduced a new partner for the team’s popular off-season reading challenge. Velcro USA Inc. will be the presenting sponsor for the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge, which rewards students with a trip to a Fisher Cats game for increasing their out-of-classroom reading. Today marks the official launch of this year’s challenge, which is expected to reach more than 150 schools by distributing more than 60,000 entry forms and informative bookmarks to students in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts throughout the 2013-14 school year.
“We are excited to have Velcro USA as our new partners for this fun and important program,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “We look forward to working with Velcro USA to show students across the region that securing a solid future begins with strong reading skills.”
Every year, the Reading Challenge, now presented by Velcro USA, encourages students to read five books outside their normal school curriculum. Upon completing the free challenge, students are rewarded with a pair of tickets to a Fisher Cats Reading Challenge game in 2014, courtesy of Velcro USA. Each game will feature a pre-game parade with a different theme to celebrate the students’ achievements. Since the program was created in 2007, bookmarks have been distributed to more than 200,000 students.
“Participating in this valuable reading initiative with the Fisher Cats is an exciting way for us to partner with and give back to the communities where we live and serve in both New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts,” said Scott Filion, President, Velcro USA Inc. “Fostering strong reading skills and a passion for learning are critical for educating innovative, future leaders and Velcro USA is thrilled to support this important program.”
The free, educational Reading Challenge is open to all schools and students in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. Teachers and administrative staff may now submit requests for informative bookmarks or schedule the Fisher Cats – and mascots Fungo and Slider – for an in-school assembly and pep rally to introduce the challenge to students. On-site availability is limited and is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
To get your school involved in the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge presented by Velcro USA Inc., contact the Fisher Cats’ community relations department at (603) 641-2005 or by email at readingchallenge@nhfishercats.com. More information is available at www.nhfishercats.com.
