BROOKLINE – Students at Richard Maghakian Memorial
School were visited by a special
guest with a special challenge on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

Fungo, the mascot of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, visited the school to launch its participation in the 2013-14 Fisher Cats Reading Challenge, presented by Velcro USA.

Fungo’s challenge to the students was simple: If you read five books outside your normal curriculum, you’ll earn two tickets to a Fisher Cats Reading Challenge Game at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester this spring, courtesy of Velcro USA.

“Without a doubt, these are some of Fungo’s favorite days of the year, right next to opening day,” said Rick Brenner, Fisher Cats president. “Being able to motivate and reward these children with Velcro USA is a great thing.

“We hope the students have fun and look forward to the excitement of our special Reading Challenge games next season.”

The assembly, one of about 40 that Fungo and the Fisher Cats will make this school year, highlighted the importance of developing strong reading skills to the students, for their immediate goals and their long-term ambitions.

Additionally, the assembly featured interactive games and healthy living tips such as exercising and eating properly.

“With our commitment to education and lifelong learning, Velcro USA applauds the Fisher Cats Reading Challenge and its efforts to fortify reading skills among children,” said Scott Filion, president of Velcro USA.

“We’re proud to support this program, and look forward to strengthening our connection to the community by bringing families together at upcoming Fisher Cats games.”

By the end of the academic year, the Fisher Cats will distribute 60,000 Reading Challenge bookmarks to students across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, reaching about 150 schools. This will raise the program’s reach to more than 260,000 students since 2007.

In addition to the individual challenge, students will represent their school in a team competition for the fourth straight year.

Through a donation from the Fisher Cats Foundation, the schools with the highest percentage of students who complete the Reading Challenge will be eligible to win one of three prizes totaling $5,000 for their schools.

The program is available for free to all schools in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts. To book a presentation by Fungo and the Fisher Cats or to receive the program information, call 641-2005.

Opening day at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium is April 10 against the Binghamton Mets.

For more information, visit www.nhfishercats.com.