Ospreys players visited schools in the region on Thursday afternoon to help them mark World Book Day.
Now in its 20th year, World Book Day is an annual charity event aimed at promoting reading, with millions of book tokens handed out each year to school children in the UK and a growing number of events taking place to encourage youngsters to enjoy reading regularly.
Players taking part met with pupils in their classrooms, encouraging them to pick up a book out of class by reading specially selected ‘favourite’ schoolbooks. They also took part in book themed question and answer sessions where they discussed their own reading habits with the children in addition to the more predictable rugby questions.
Andrew Hore, Ospreys Chief Executive, said that the region were delighted to be able to offer their support of World Book Day:
“Modern day professional rugby isn’t just about turning up on a match-day and playing. Preparation is critical, and reading is a key skill for all of our players, without which they wouldn’t be able to do their jobs properly. Every member of staff at the Ospreys is encouraged to prolong their learning experience beyond leaving school, as a well-educated person is an asset to the organisation, on and off the field.
“The development of literacy skills starts at a young age, discovering the enjoyment that can be had in losing yourself in a good book, which is why we are delighted to support World Book Day once again.
“It’s important that we use our high profile in the community to be a positive influence, and if the players going into the schools are able to help ignite an interest in reading in the children they meet, then they will be playing their part in creating better citizens across the communities of the region.
“With general concerns about boys in particular turning away from books, hopefully, seeing familiar faces from the Ospreys reading and talking about what books they enjoy will hopefully encourage them to pick up a book instead of a games console next time they are looking for something to do.”