Oct. 27, 2008

Auburn, Ala. - On Saturday Oct. 25, the Auburn Gymnastics team participated in "Run to Read" benefitting the Jean Dean Reading is Fundamental (RIF)/Kiwanis program based in Opelika.

In conjunction with National Make a Difference Day, the gymnasts helped with the event from start to finish. They helped with registration, handed out awards, signed autographs and spoke to children and their families about the importance of education.

In addition, gymnasts Laura Lane, Krissy Voss, Allyson Sandusky and Associate Head Coach Rachelle Thompson ran in the 5k. Lane and Thompson placed first in their divisions, while Sandusky placed second.

"We stress academics with our team," said Thompson. "Every student-athlete that comes into our program knows that academic success is first, then athletics. The race was centered on education and making reading fun, so it was a great opportunity for the ladies to help foster the atmosphere of education."

"It was really a unique and fun experience," said senior gymnast Adrienne Mills. "I was excited to be involved in such a wonderful program that gives underprivileged children the opportunity to get a head-start on reading."

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF) is the oldest children's literacy organization in the United States. It is a nationwide non-profit which brings children and books together to help young people acquire the habit of reading.

Cathy Dean Gafford, director of local Jean Dean RIF, explained that with the money raised from various events, such as the "Run to Read", Jean Dean RIF purchases and distributes quality, age-appropriate books to at-risk children in the community.