SPORTS

Reading Rapids: Soccer players visit Adams 14 schools

STAFF REPORT

Two Colorado Rapids players spent part of their Aug. 16 reading to students at three Adams 14 School District elementary schools.

The two, Omar Gomez Tapia and Blake Malone, read books, took pictures and visited with students in kindergarten through fi fth grade.

“I think our kids are going to take away more excitement from reading books,” said Pattie Medina, family liaison at Alsup Elementary School in a statement. “When people take time out of their day to come and read with them, it excites them.”

Kinzie Frey, the communications manager for the Rapids, said in the statement that most of the team’s players are from the Denver area.

“Our players are not just individuals who come for a temporary amount of time. They really want to invest in the community that they are in and really give back to the community,” she said.

Malone is the center back for the Rapids.

“It’s wonderful to give back,” he said in the statement. “I think it’s a role model opportunity. Hopefully, it gives them something to believe in. This is defi nitely an experience I wish I had as a kid.”

Medina said she was excited about the prospect of more visits like this in the future.

“Being able to go home and say they met somebody that wears a jersey is a pretty great experience for a child,” she said in the statement.

Colorado Rapids defenseman Omar Gomez Tapia calls on an Alsup Elementary School student during an Aug. 16 visit to the school.

Colorado Rapids players Blake Malone, left, and Omar Gomez Tapia fi eld questions

from students at Alsup Elementary School Aug. 16. PHOTOS COURTESY ADAMS 14 SCHOOL DISTRICT

PROTECT YOUR HOME 365 DAYS A YEAR

THENATION’ S 2GUTTER GUARD1

BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE

PROTECT YOUR HOME 365 DAYS A YEAR

15% OFF & & 510%% OFFOFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE*

SENIORS & MILITARY! TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS ONLY!**

FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!1

Promo Code: 285

1Subject to credit approval. Call for details.

CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

1-844-618-9585

WE INSTALL

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST