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INDIANAPOLIS — Reading time is always a special part of the school day for young children, but when professional football players serve as guest readers, the importance of literacy means that much more.
On Tuesday, September 4, 2012, the Indianapolis Colts kicked off Colts Community Tuesdays with Colts Day in Schools, presented by Vincennes University. Ten Colts players visited five Indianapolis–area elementary schools where players read stories and handed out a free book to each child, grades Pre-K through 3. Throughout the day, players stressed the significance of reading as the backbone of a sound education to the participating schools.
LS Matt Overton and DT Fili Moala briefly discussed the benefits of hard work combined with reading and life-skills at IPS #83 Floro Torrence. "Having the Colts in today was the perfect opportunity to drive home the importance of literacy and our goal to improve their reading level," said Heather Haskett, principal of IPS #83.
LB Jerrell Freeman and LB Justin Hickman spent extra time with students after reading at IPS #42 Elder W. Diggs, speaking about the importance of staying in school and furthering their education.
Providing an animated story presentation were DT Drake Nevis and OT Jeff Linkenbach as they read a few of their favorite childhood stories to IPS #74 Theodore Potter students.
C A.Q. Shipley along with TE Dominique Jones answered football related questions from the students at Indiana Math and Science Academy-North. A collective gasp came over the third grade class when A.Q. Shipley declared he began playing football while in third grade.
New to this year's event, Colts Day in Schools also included pre-kindergarten students at Warren Early Childhood Center, where TE Dwayne Allen and OG Seth Olsen surprised their smallest fans.
Colts Day in Schools is one of several "Community Tuesday" programs the Indianapolis Colts will facilitate throughout the 2012 regular season.
Check out photos from Colts Day in Schools here.
About Colts Community Tuesdays:
During the regular NFL season, Tuesday is the only day off players receive. As a result, the Colts utilize every Tuesday to engage their players in various charitable events and programs throughout Central Indiana. From schools and hospital visits to blood drives and holiday outreach, Colts players participate in a wide variety of "Community Tuesday" activities throughout the season. For more information on all of the Colts outreach efforts, visit www.colts.com/community.
Follow us on Twitter **@coltscommunity* and 'Like' us on Facebook at *Colts in the Community*!*
