UPDATE: Head coach Craig Neal spoke to Bob Clark on 770 AM KKOB Thursday morning to discuss the New Mexico True Summer Reading Program. To listen to the interview, click HERE
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Governor Susana Martinez announced the 2016 New Mexico True Summer Reading Challenge at a press conference Monday, and the University of New Mexico athletic department was present to show support.
The program helps students maintain and improve their reading skills over the summer months when they aren’t in class. The Lobos were represented by men’s basketball head coach Craig Neal, women’s basketball head coach Mike Bradbury and Vice President for Athletics Paul Krebs. Neal spoke on behalf of the Lobos about the importance of the program, while Lobo Louie hung out with the third graders in attendance.
“No matter what background they come from, reading is essential for kids to build the skills and confidence they need to succeed,” Governor Martinez said. “With all the exciting prizes offered by our community partners, the challenge helps our students better prepare for the upcoming school year and gives them the opportunity to win unique experiences that help them learn more about all the excitement and adventure New Mexico has to offer.”
Several prizes are being offered to students that participate, including an opportunity to meet the UNM Lobos men’s or women’s basketball head coach, be announced on the court before a game and receive an autographed ball signed by the team.
New Mexico residents ages five to 12 enrolled in a New Mexico Elementary school are eligible to participate. Only one submission is allowed per student and grand prizes are selected by random drawing.
For more information, tune into 770 KKOB, the flagship station for Lobo men’s basketball, Thursday morning at 8:10 a.m. to hear Coach Neal speak about the program.