Up for Reading 2009 announced

Down Syndrome Education International has announced Up for Reading 2009 – the second year for our sponsored reading campaign. Building on the successes of the first year of Up for Reading, this year’s campaign aims to involve even more schools, children, families and support groups across the UK, the USA and around the world.

Announcing Up for Reading 2009, Frank Buckley, the charity’s Chief Executive, said, “Up for Reading 2009 will be bigger and better. We will be building on the tremendous momentum achieved during our first year and on the amazing support we saw for the campaign. We will be introducing new ways of supporting in the campaign at home, through support groups and from preschools to high schools."

"We are delighted by the success of Up for Reading", he added, "not just because it raises vital donations, but particularly because it draws attention to some of the abilities of young people with Down syndrome and emphasises the importance of reading in supporting their language development.”

This year, schools, nurseries and Down syndrome support groups taking part are being offered the opportunity to keep a share of the funds raised through Up for Reading for their own activities. We are also introducing Up for Reading activities to support secondary schools’ participation.

Up for Reading 2009 has the support of many more leading children’s authors and illustrators – including Lucy Cousins, Michael Morpurgo, Quentin Blake, Anthony Horowitz, Jeremy Strong, Nick Sharratt, Korky Paul and Justin Somper.

Thanks to the generosity of these supporters, Up for Reading 2009 offers a fantastic array of prizes that you have a chance of winning by taking part. These prizes include an original illustration by Nick Sharratt, a visit to your school by 'Alex Rider' author Anthony Horowitz, signed books by Jeremy Strong, and a school visit by 'Vampirates' author Justin Somper.

Up for Reading 2009 will run from September 2008 to July 2009 - so there are plenty of chances to plan your Up for Reading week and get involved. The all new Up for Reading 2009 fundraising pack will be available in September 2008 – register your interest to receive a pack now!