University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Help Kick Off Summer Reading Program
June 18, 2016 | Carolina Outreach
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The student-athletes at the University of North Carolina dedicate their summer months to more than just summer school and off-season training. On June 10, nearly 20 Tar Heels participated in the Chapel Hill Public Library Summer Challenge where they read to children, played games, and shared words of encouragement. The main purpose of the Summer Challenge is to encourage children to join the library's summer reading program and keep them engaged in learning over summer break.
The “offseason” is not only used as an opportunity for student-athletes to prepare for the upcoming academic and athletic year, but also to give back to their biggest supporters—the community. Volunteering is a chance for student-athletes to become involved in outreach initiatives, and a chance for the children to hear the firsthand experiences of what it takes to become a UNC student-athlete.
M.J. Stewart, a junior defensive back on the football team, stated how community outreach opportunities remind him that his role as a UNC student-athlete extends far past the field.
“Seeing the excitement in the kids' eyes when we interact with them gives me the motivation to excel on and off the field,” he said. “Being able to play for a Division I team is something I am forever grateful for, but it's the experiences like these that make my time as a UNC student-athlete even more special.”
Building connections with the children and families in the community is an essential part of the Carolina philosophy and the 2016 Summer Challenge was the perfect opportunity to do so.
“Having all of the student athletes here meant a good deal to many people,” said Daniel Siler, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Chapel Hill Public Library. “I heard from several parents who said that UNC's presence was the draw that got their 'non-reader' kids excited about the program. Not only that, but everyone who interacted with them had a great time.”
There were student-athletes from a variety of teams including field hockey, football, gymnastics, swimming & diving, and track & field. The student-athletes read books about overcoming adversity, becoming leaders, and always making good decisions. Winners Never Quit! by Mia Hamm was a huge hit in the reading room because it demonstrated the importance of not letting adversity stand in the way of your goals.
Not only did the children have a fantastic afternoon, it was a reminder for every student-athlete that their role in the community is just as important as their role in on the field and in the classroom.
For more on the library's 2016 Summer Challenge, click here.
Written by Megan Marenghi, UNC Student-Athlete Development Intern and a former member of the Carolina gymnastics team
