From the NBA cares department, Viz Media has teamed up with Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden to promote literacy. Oden will be featured in a reading campaign along with Slam Dunk, the basketball-themed manga

This is feel good news for a couple reasons. For one, it’s good to see an NBA star doing something charitable for the imperiled American literacy programs. Secondly, it’s good to see manga involved in another educational endeavor.

By a matter of pure coincidence, I recently posted an episode of the Slam Dunk anime. It’s a good watch, but the manga is better…and reading is fundamental!

From the press release:

“We are very excited to promote the use of the sport of basketball as a theme to help promote literacy and welcome Portland Trail Blazer Greg Oden who shares the goal to increase literacy,” says Liza Coppola, Sr. Vice President, Corporate Relations & Partnerships, VIZ Media. “This is a perfect fit for both the NBA and SLAM DUNK. SLAM DUNK is a basketball manga series that captures the essence and excitement of basketball and appeal to anyone who loves the game, Greg Oden embodies the spirit of SLAM DUNK – he has the passion, drive and is looked upon as a role model for many potential readers of the series. He is a natural bridge between kids who love the game of basketball and the one book that brings the true feel and spirit of the game to life between its pages.”

Source: ViZ Media Press Release - VIZ MEDIA TEAMS WITH NBA PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS STAR GREG ODEN TO INTRODUCE NEW MANGA SERIES - SLAM DUNK

Technorati Tags: Viz Media, greg oden, NBA, Slam Dunk

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