Spirit players participate in Bendigo Stadium Limited’s Reading Program with local primary schools

Bendigo Spirit players are connecting with the community through books.

Spirit players attend Maiden Gully Primary School each week to read with students.

“We place a very high value on both literacy and numeracy. Our target is to support our students to celebrate their reading skills,” MGPS principal Craig Arrowsmith said.

“These skills are the foundations to opening doors to opportunities later in life.”

In addition to the skills, the reading sessions also provide positive role models for the students.

“We have plenty of students who may aspire to one day become a sportsperson so the players are acting as really positive role models,” Mr Arrowsmith said.

He said the sessions made the students feel “supported and valued.”

“The sessions give the students something really special to look forward to each week,” he said.

The program which is supported by the Fosterville Gold Mine, is also very meaningful for the players.

Spirit first-year import Martè Grays said it was fulfilling to sit down and read with the students.

“You can tell all of the children really love what they are doing,” Ms Grays said.

“They are all trying their absolute hardest and the teachers show them great reading strategies.”

It was only Ms Grays’ first session at the school, however, she looked forward to attending many more in the future.

“Doing stuff like this really makes what we do worthwhile,” Ms Grays said.

“We all love helping out with our community.”

Bendigo Stadium community engagement leader Bianca Dufelmeier said all of the players involved enjoyed spending time with the students.

“We always want to do things that are bigger than basketball,” Ms Dufelmeier said.

“We want to be able to make positive impacts within the community to show we care.”

“Reading is one of the most important things that students do and it’s so easy for us to give up our time and help out.”

Ms Dufelmeier said the players loved committing time to help out within the Bendigo community.

“It’s great for the students to see us take an interest in their learning and wellbeing which makes them feel valued,” she said.

Next week the players will also attend Marong Primary for reading sessions.

Article Courtesy of The Bendigo Advertiser 

Photo Courtesy of Glenn Daniels