If they didn’t like reading before, they probably like it a lot more now.
Dozens of Roland Michener School students from grades 4, 5 and 6 were visited by Calgary Flames players Robyn Regehr, Eric Nystrom and David Moss for the launch of the Flames Reading…Give it a Shot program yesterday.
Flames forward Nystrom believes the initiative is important for young kids who may not enjoy reading.
“It’s always nice when you have the opportunity to make a difference in some kids’ lives, and maybe some of these kids just need some outside influences,” Nystrom said.
“It’s nice on a bad day to dive into a good book and take away your stresses. I know sometimes on road games it’s nice to be able to do that,” he added.
It was the 11th year the program was in place, but a first for the students at Roland Michener.
Principal Mike Hebenton said the visit meant the world to the students.
“Some of our students don’t like to read a whole lot if they don’t have a reason outside of curriculum, so any outside influence is appreciated, especially from role models like the Flames,” he said.
Student Henry Harwardt, 11, was excited to meet the Flames and get autographs, but also said he would read more because the Flames do.
“I just think it’s really cool to get to see them and ask them questions,” he said.
