Golf tournament benefits literacy in Northern Nevada

Staff Reports

The Nevada Appeal announces its first annual Literacy for Life Golf Tournament on Oct. 16 at Thunder Canyon Golf Course in Washoe Valley.

The Nevada Appeal is leading an effort to raise awareness about the number of people in Northern Nevada who are illiterate (16 percent) and what they can do about it. The Literacy for Life Golf Tournament is one way in which businesses and individual community members can help fund programs to ensure every Northern Nevadan has the chance to succeed at life, for themselves, their families and the community.

National Literacy Day on Sept. 8 reminds people of the role reading plays in their quality of life. While statistics on the subject are sobering, improving literacy rates will directly improve the community. Here are just a few of the figures: Between 21 and 23 percent of Americans (40 million) are functioning at Level 1 literacy rating, described simply as "not having adequate reading skills for daily life." A conservative estimate of the illiteracy rate for Northern Nevada is 16 percent. These community members cannot read, struggle to read, or cannot cope with unfamiliar or complex information. That means in the community there are people who cannot:

·        Understand the instructions on a medicine container

·        Read stories to their children

·        Read a news article or a map

·        Read correspondence from their bank or any government agency

·        Fill out an application for work

·        Read the safety instructions for operating machinery

·        Compete effectively for today's jobs

A community challenge: The Nevada Appeal is taking a stand against illiteracy by launching a series of articles that delve into the illiteracy issues in our community and the impact they have on the quality of life. On Oct. 8, a special section will publish, promoting ways the community can become involved in lowering illiteracy rates. On Oct. 16, the Nevada Appeal will host a golf tournament to raise funds to improve literacy and encourages people to support this effort through participating in the Tournament.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.Call 775-882-2111 to learn more:

Title Sponsor (exclusive)

Major Sponsors (2 available)

Eagle Sponsors (4 available)

Towel/Ball Sponsor (1 each)

Beverage Sponsor (exclusive)

Birdie Sponsors (exclusive)

Shirt/Bag Sponsor (exclusive)

Hole-in-One Sponsor (exclusive)

All participating golfers will have a chance for a guaranteed prizes for closest to the hole and the longest drive. Golfers will receive a free gift bag plus a chance to win dozens of great raffle prizes. Golfer registration includes: Continental breakfast, cart beverages, BBQ awards banquet and more. To sign up today for an individual player or team, call 775-882-2111.