Reading event touchdown with Decatur youth
A host of athletes and stars visited the Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club in Decatur Jan. 30 to kick off the Read with Reed 83 Challenge with NFL Hall-of-Famer Andre Reed.
The challenge supports Boys and Girls Club programs by encouraging children to read.
Reed accumulated more than 13,000 yards and 87 touchdowns during his 16-year NFL career, but he said he had no interest in football until he joined the Boys and Girls Club. Reed said reading, along with being a member of the club, helped him overcome adverse situations such as his dad’s alcoholism.
“I was a club kid who made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now I represent what [the Boys and Girls Club] stands for and I know that through reading, every child can do the same. Reading is the way out,” Reed said.
Reed was joined by Atlanta Falcons’ Desmond Trufant, former Atlanta Hawk Mike Glenn, former NFL wide receiver Peerless Price, former Buffalo Bill Takeo Spikes and actor Jason Weaver at the event.
Reed, who is also an ambassador for the Boys and Girls Club, said reading gave him confidence to pursue an NFL career.
“The Boys and Girls Club is where I read the most. I was inspired by what reading could do for me personally and that transitioned to the football field,” Reed said. “Reading is so vital to your success in life and what we’re trying to do with this program inspire the kids to pick up a book and read.”
John Strong, executive director of Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club, said he was thankful the Read with Reed 83 program came to visit.
According to Strong, Read with Reed representatives said they were interested in visiting a local Boys and Girls Club program during the week of Super Bowl LIII.
“Our club got chosen out of all the clubs in the United States. They said they heard a lot about this club and they were recommended to us,” Strong said. “The rest is history.”
During the event, Boys and Girls Club students answered trivia questions about Reed, received “MVP” student awards and danced to a musical performance by artist Silento.
“It’s an honor. I was so honored to see all these great celebrities and athletes come to the club and really inspire kids to read,” Strong said. “I’ve really been pushing reading and how important reading is. In order for these kids to be successful, they’re really going to have to value reading.”
