WESTERN Bulldogs draftee Riley Garcia is fast learning about the power of words, his words, in helping others.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 19-year-old, who hails from Perth, joined teammate Caleb Daniel to launch Bulldogs Read at Ballarat Library on Monday afternoon.
This was a first taste for Garcia to delve into a community program unique to Ballarat, meeting pupils who will write book reviews for each others and players to explore.
When it comes to a good tale, Garcia said he liked to read motivational autobiographies about amazing people, not just sportspeople, particularly after sustaining a serious knee injury in under-18 nationals ahead of the AFL draft.
Garcia hoped pupils might find their own inspiring stories to read, too.
"I think with our profile, the kids really look up to you as players so hopefully we can encourage them to read more," Garcia said.
"For me to be in rehab so long, I always find perspective from books. Some about sport but I also like reading about someone who has made it from nothing."
I always find perspective from books. Some about sport but I also like reading about someone who has made it from nothing.
- Riley Garcia, Western Bulldogs draftee
The Bulldogs Read launch was part of a community-focused day visit for the club in its adopted second home. This included a civic reception, school clinics and training sessions with junior football clubs.
Bulldogs Read, now in its fifth year, has expanded to reach 108 pupils from six primary schools: Canadian Lead, Alfredton, Ballarat Grammar, Forest Street, Pleasant Street and St Columba's. There will be more school visits on top of Skype sessions to talk books and, often, game plans for the season.
Pupils are drafted by their schools into the program, most for an added confidence boost to their reading.
Bulldog Caleb Daniel has been part of the literacy program working with children for a couple years and said it had been good to watch it grow.
"It's nice coming out there and having kids interested in reading and in the Bulldogs," Daniel said. "It's also nice for the kids to find out what you enjoy outside football."
Pupils also get to go to an AFL game and a training session at Whitten Oval.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
