NFL VETERAN CHRIS DRAFT VISITS CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2011

Photos available upon request

Veteran NFL player (and former Chicago Bear) Chris Draft visited the Chicago Public Library’s Richard M. Daley Branch at 733 N. Kedzie Ave. today, to read books and talk to 6th, 7th & 8th graders from the Morton School of Excellence. Draft talked about the importance of going back to school, getting a library card and being active, the core message of his Chris Draft Family Foundation (www.chrisdraftfamilyfoundation.org). In addition, Draft directed the kids in a movement-themed low-impact exercise session and gave away copies of his children’s book, Do You Want to Play Catch?

Reminiscing about the time he fell in love with reading, Draft recalled the day his mother took him and his brother to get their library cards. He remembers how special he felt at that moment and how he was thereafter inspired to read, learn, stay active, healthy and work to become both academically and physically fit.

Draft explained that, “it was an absolute pleasure to converse with the students from Morton School not just about their favorite books, but about their future goals and dreams. Chicago holds a special place in my heart because it represents the place where my dream of playing in the NFL started.  As a 1998 Chicago Bears draft pick, I came to the Windy City after college, and began my the journey to fulfill my dream.  To me, Chicago was where I was given a stage, the stage that represented the platform I needed to effect change!”

Now, through the Chris Draft Family Foundation, Draft works tirelessly to inspire children across the country to strengthen their minds and bodies.

The Chris Draft Family Foundation focuses on seven primary initiatives with overarching themes that stress the importance of education, healthy lifestyles, character development, personal responsibility, self-discipline and physical fitness. Using the inspiration and lessons learned from his personal life and his experiences working with youth and families, Draft’s Family Foundation seeks to make a lasting positive impact on children, families and communities.

The Chicago Public Library continues to encourage lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment and knowledge through materials, programs and cutting-edge technology.

The Chicago Public Library is comprised of the Harold Washington Library Center, two regional libraries and more than 70 neighborhood branches.  All locations provide free access to a rich collection of books, DVDs, audio books and music; the Internet and WiFi; newspapers and magazines; sophisticated research databases, many of which can be accessed from a home or office computer. Each location continues to serve as a cultural center, presenting the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults.

The Harold Washington Library Center, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library and Conrad Sulzer Regional Library are open 7 days a week, the branch libraries are open 6 days a week and patrons can access all of the Library’s collections online 24 hours a day.  For more information, please visit the website at chicagopubliclibrary.org or call the Chicago Public Library Press Office at (312) 747-4050.