1. Charleston Battery • 1990 Daniel Island Dr. • Charleston, SC • 29492 • 843-971-GOAL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 12, 2014
CONTACT: Danielle Lockemy
Director ofMedia Relations
843-971-1234
media@charlestonbattery.com
Bend it Like Beckham While Reading a Cool Book
Charleston, S.C.--The Charleston Battery is partnering with the Charleston County Library
Association and the Charleston Promise Neighborhood elementary schools this spring to launch its
“Reading is Cool” program.
“Reading is Cool” aims to encourage literacy among four elementary schools in the Charleston
Promise Neighborhood. The program aims to increase literacy levels after reports last spring
showed they are steadily decreasing.
“Kids need to be motivated. They don’thave a lotof role models athome, butprofessional athletes
provide a greatrole model ofhow to be successful doing something these kids know is fun,” said
Mr. Anthony Dixon, principal ofSanders-Clyde Elementary/Middle School
The campaign consists oftwo different efforts, Just for Kicks and Battery Book Bonanza, to take
place through March.
Just for Kicks will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from March 1-31 at 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and
the Battery Book Bonanza will occur through March.

2. “Just for Kicks” is a weekly book reading for first graders that will feature Battery players at the
local library to motivate students to read. This campaign aims to presentathletes as positive role
models to help kids become avid readers.
“Battery Book Bonanza” is a reading contestthat will reward and recognize the fourth grade
student who reads the most books. The winner and his class will enjoy a special prize from The
Battery organization and players.
“I really believe itis important for kids to be good readers.Igrew up a migrant worker and learned
to read as a teenager, so Iknow what it’s like to miss out on opportunities because you can’tread”
Said Justin Portillo, Charleston Battery, midfielder.
The Charleston Battery hopes to increase literacy levels in elementary school children and to
encourage to kids to work hard in school and on the field.
# # #
Charleston Battery:
Charleston Battery is an American professional soccer club based in Charleston, S.C. The team
was founded in 1993 and is one of the mostsuccessful minor-league teams in the United States.
The Charleston Battery is owned by Tony Bakker and is a member ofthe United Soccer league.
*Facebook post: With literacy rates on the decline Charleston Battery is
going for the goal to make reading cool
*Tweet: Go for the goal with a good book with the Charleston Battery
#JustForKicks #Battery Book Bonanza

3. *Email Pitch:
To: Gene Sapakoff, (postandcourier.com)
Subject: Charleston Battery story idea
Hello Gene,
I have a potential story for the Postand Courier sports section Ithink you may be interested in.
As you may know the literacy rate in South Carolina public schools has steadily decreased along
with state education funding. This has caused a concern among teachers in the area.
The Charleston Battery is a launching a campaign during the duration of March to motivate and
encourage literacy among elementary students.
I have attached a press release for you to use. If you need any more information about this
campaign, please letme know.
Thanks-
Danielle Lockemy
--
Danielle Lockemy
College ofCharleston
843-245-2691