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WWE ® Superstars encourage kids to read
12 Nov 2008
WWE Superstar MVP® and WWE Diva Natalya® , visited Christ the King Primary School in Islington on Monday 10 th November, to support the National Literacy Trust’s WrestleMania Reading Challenge programme.
MVP and Natalya, WWE’s WrestleMania Reading Challenge ambassadors, spoke to pupils about the importance of reading and the role it plays in everyday life and encouraged children to take part in the programme as well as answering questions from pupils.
The WWE WrestleMania Reading Challenge is open to all schools that are signed up to the National Literacy Trust’s Reading Champions programme, one of a number of schemes funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Jim Knight, Minister of State for Schools and Learning, said the following about the competition: Language is power and reading is key to becoming a powerful communicator. So it is vital that young people, and in particular boys, have strong reading role models. The WrestleMania Reading Challenge is a great example of how schools can get their pupils excited about reading.”
MVP, WWE Superstar, said: Reading allows me to escape into other worlds and increases my knowledge along the way. Having the opportunity to use the power and popularity of WWE to encourage children to read more is a huge achievement for us”.
The WrestleMania Reading Challenge, now in its second year, inspires pupils to develop a love of reading. Primary and secondary school children are invited to read a selection of self-chosen literature, then submit a 100-word piece of writing persuading a WWE Superstar to read their favourite book, comic or magazine.
The four best entrants will be rewarded with the trip of a lifetime to see their favourite WWE Superstars in action next April at the globally renowned WrestleMania XXV in Houston, Texas.
Additional information on World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on WWE’s global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.
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Media Contacts
National Literacy Trust - Edward Mather - 0207 820 6254
Edward.Mather@literacytrust.org.uk
World Wrestling Entertainment - Claire Murphy - 0208 834 1463
claire.murphy@wwecorp.com
Frank PR -David Brady or Jamie Kaye - 0207 693 6999
wwe@frankpr.it
Notes to editors
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone. See www.literacytrust.org.uk
The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486, Registered office: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL.
About the 2008 National Year of Reading
The 2008 National Year of Reading is a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms. It will help to build a greater national passion for reading – for children, families and adult learners alike. The Year will encourage people to read in businesses, homes, and communities around the country, providing new opportunities to read and helping people to access help and support through schools and libraries. The 2008 National Year of Reading is being managed by the National Literacy Trust and lead partner The Reading Agency. See www.yearofreading.org.uk
About Reading Champions
This is an initiative delivered by the National Literacy Trust on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families. It uses the motivational power of male reading role models to inspire other boys and men to read more. See www.readingchampions.org.uk
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