MS Readathon Inspiring Aussie Kids to Read to Change the Lives of Australians

MS Readathon: Inspiring Aussie Kids to Read to Change the Lives of Australians Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Jump into reading this June!

Australian children are being inspired to pick up their books from June 1 to read for the 29th MS Readathon.

Each school day, five people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, often disabling disease that affects the bodys central nervous system.

30,000 students are leading the race to register with program organisers encouraging children to register as soon as possible to participate in the fundraiser.

With more than five times the number of participants expected to register for the MS Readathon than there will be athletes at the Beijing Olympics, it is set to be a marathon effort for bookworms this coming month.

The Hon Julia Gillard MP. Deputy Prime Minister has shown her support of Australias premier reading-based fundraiser in her speech at the launch of the MS Readathon earlier this month. "I am honoured and delighted to act as a Patron of the MS Readathon. This important initiative has actively encouraged literacy development and an enthusiasm for reading in Australian children over the past 29 years. Last year more than 73,000 Australian children participated in this program, collectively reading more than one million books," Ms Gillard said.

"As a child I was an avid reader and still remember the enjoyment I got from cracking a case with Nancy Drew, or going on an adventure with Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings. This enjoyment of reading has remained with me as an adult and I still love to sit down and lose myself in a good book whenever I get the chance," said Ms Gillard.

Children are encouraged to register now to receive their MS Readathon Starters Pack with everything they need to collect sponsorship for the books they read this June. Registration forms can be found at local schools and libraries or even easier, children can register online at www.msreadathon.org.au with the help of mum or dad.

Last year 58,000 children across Australia joined in the fun of the MS Readathon to help the 18,000 people living with MS. Funds raised in the MS Readathon assist the MS Society to provide support services for people living with MS. The average age of diagnosis is now 30 years and this disease affects three times as many women as men. Funds from participants also contribute to research as there is currently no cure.

For more information contact MS Readathon Public Relations Officer, Corinne Dickinson on 0409 287 233.

June 1 - June 7 is also National MS Awareness Week.

Multiple Sclerosis Australia