Cubs and Illinois government join to encourage summer reading for kids – WEEK | 25 News Now

(25News Now) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is announcing a new initiative to encourage summer reading among students.

The reading challenge is a partnership between the Illinois Literacy Foundation and the Chicago Cubs, where a student will be chosen to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Wrigley Field.

Students can get involved by completing reading goals established by their local library and will then be entered into a statewide drawing.

Giannoulias said in a statement that reading opens up doors for young people but that many students miss out over the summer.

“Illinois Reads Together is a fun way to keep kids engaged while supporting the outstanding summer reading programs already offered by public libraries across our state,” said Giannoulias.

Participating libraries will submit the name of qualifying readers to the Illinois Literacy Foundation, which will randomly select 20 winners from across the state, who will then be recognized at the Cubs-Atlanta Braves game on September 16.

One winner age 13 or older will also throw out the first pitch.

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