Bensonhurst

John Starks hits 3-pointer with Bensonhurst kids

Former Knicks star visits PS 112 to promote reading

August 15, 2014 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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Students at P.S. 112 in Bensonhurst are far too young to remember when John Starks was a big star with the New York Knicks in the 1990s, but they treated him like a rock star when he paid a recent visit to a day camp at the school to promote the importance of reading.

The visit by Starks was part of the Eighth Annual Knicks Summer Reading Program presented by Cablevision’s Optimum and Madison Square Garden.

The youngsters who were eagerly listening to Starks and another guest, state Sen. Marty Golden (R-C-Bay Ridge-southwest Brooklyn), read aloud to them were attending a summer day camp at PS 112 (located on 15th Avenue and 71st Street) sponsored by the Neighborhood Improvement Association (NIA).

Starks is currently an Alumni Relations and Fan Development advisor for the Knicks.

Starks and Golden both spoke to the kids about the importance of literacy and both read aloud from the popular children’s book, “Allie’s Basketball Dream” by Barbara E. Barber.

The kids also took part in an interactive quiz about the book and got autographs from Starks. The children were given free copies of the book.

“Reading not only teaches it stimulates the imagination, strengthens self-confidence and fosters creativity, providing lifelong rewards,” Golden said.

“For eight years, Cablevision, in conjunction with Madison Square Garden, has promoted reading programs in the communities we serve through its Summer Reading initiative,” said Jennifer Ostrager, Cablevision vice president of public affairs. “Programs such as this serve as a catalyst for instilling a lifelong love of reading.”

Targeted to children ages 6-12, the Knicks Summer Reading program consists of a series of reading events at libraries, camps and community centers throughout the New York/New Jersey area. The program encourages reading through the use of incentives and is highlighted by book giveaways, ticket raffles, free T-shirts and read-aloud events with Knicks alumni and local elected officials.

 

 

 

 

 

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