Assemblymember Cahill Announces the 2009 Summer Reading and Exercise Challenge

Stimulate your child’s imagination and get fit together

June 5, 2009

Assemblymember Kevin A. Cahill (D-Ulster, Dutchess) introduces to children and families the 2009 Summer Reading and Exercise Challenge. “Every summer I encourage our children to read – this summer I am also challenging them to exercise,” Assemblymember Cahill said.

“Reading books is a great hobby that can be both fun and educational by taking minds on adventures through history and even into the future,” Assemblymember Cahill said. “In an age where video games, television and computer programs dominate our children’s lives, it’s easy to forget the power of imagination. It is also important that children make time to get outside in the fresh air and participate in whatever appropriate physical exercise they can. The Summer Reading and Exercise Challenge intends to revive and strengthen both the mind and body.”

The New York State Assembly encourages children and parents to make learning and fitness a habit through its summer program. To receive a New York State Assembly Excellence in Reading and Exercise Certificate, children must read and exercise with an adult for 40 days throughout the months of July and August.

“In these tough economic times, it is hard to find inexpensive activities that entertain, occupy and educate our children during the summer,” Assemblymember Cahill said. “Books are economical and beneficial resources that satisfy all of those needs. Studies show that children who read throughout the summer perform better in school in the fall. This program gives children an opportunity to engage in a leisurely hobby that will improve their spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation and reading skills. The reading challenge is part of the Assembly’s commitment to providing a quality education to the youth of New York State,” Assemblymember Cahill said.

“Reading is a critical tool in our children’s education and in their lives,” Assemblymember Cahill said. “Our local libraries are wonderful resources to electrify our children’s imaginations. I strongly encourage children and their guardians to visit their neighborhood library and participate in the Summer Challenge to help cultivate a generation of lifelong readers.”

Physical exercise helps to build muscle, strength and endurance and research has shown that children who keep fit perform better in reading and writing. “It is important for our children to be physically active as part of a healthy lifestyle. Encourage your children to engage in a minimum of 30 minutes of physical movement each day over the summer. Get fit together. Kids who exercise regularly will have stronger muscles and bones, see an increase in energy, and have a better outlook on life. Studies have shown that physical exercise also helps children pay attention as they return to school,” Assemblymember Cahill said.

For more information about the 2009 Summer Reading and Exercise Challenge, write Assemblymember Kevin Cahill at 1 Albany Avenue, Suite G-4, Kingston, NY; send an e-mail to cahillk@assembly.state.ny.us; or call Assemblymember Cahill’s District Office at (845) 338-9610.

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