Kenny Logan
The ex-Scotland rugby player has just written the foreword for our latest resource the Rugby World Cup Toolkit. He tells us more about why he thinks literacy is important and how rugby, as well as other sport, can be used to promote reading to children and young people.
Why do you feel literacy is so important?
In my opinion, literacy is the foundation to learning; it is fundamental to progressing in life and is not to be taken for granted.
Having struggled to confront my dyslexia in my early years and into adulthood, I am passionate about the value of literacy to enable you to have a normal life. I know from personal experience that having problems with literacy can affect attainment in other subjects.
How do you think rugby can be used to promote literacy to children?
Children must be taught that reading and writing can be fun and that it is not just for geeks but is an essential skill for everyday life. Even professional sportsmen have to send emails, write letters and read books.
It’s not long until the Rugby World Cup - the first game is on 9 September and the excitement is already building for this international tournament that brings the best rugby nations together. With much media coverage, we’ll all get caught up in the anticipation and expectations of our favourite teams.
With this global simultaneous interest in rugby, there is no better time than now to make use of this World Cup-themed tool kit to stimulate children to improve their reading and writing skills. With this we can capitalise on Rugby World cup fever and help children achieve what they are capable of achieving.
