Athletes Care Campaign (ACC)
What is ACC?
A Signature Initiative by Literature Matters
The Athletes Care Campaign (ACC) is a powerful movement within the Literature Matters mission—designed to inspire, empower, and connect children with the joy of reading through the stories of their favorite athletes.
We believe that representation matters in every form of storytelling. That’s why ACC highlights the voices of professional and local athletes who care deeply about literacy, especially in underserved Black and Brown communities. This initiative celebrates the influence of athletes as role models—using their stories and influence to motivate young readers and demonstrate the power of perseverance, imagination, and knowledge.
Why It Matters:
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1 in 4 children grows up without learning how to read proficiently.
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Representation in literature increases reading engagement and self-confidence.
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Seeing athletes speak on the importance of reading helps connect literacy to real-life success.
Together, we can create generational change—one story, one book, and one child at a time.
From the Field to the Festival: Why ACC Matters to Desiree
As a former athlete, I’ve experienced firsthand how sports instill grit, perseverance, teamwork, and—most importantly—confidence. One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey was traveling to Holland at the age of 14 as a Global USA Sports Ambassador for the People to People organization. That year, my soccer team won our tournament bracket, and the experience left a lasting impression on how I viewed the world—and myself.
This is why the Athletes Care Campaign (ACC) means so much to me. Athletes have a powerful story to tell, and when we share those stories with students, we spark inspiration and connection. Through the ACC initiative, we’re creating bridges between sports and literacy, helping young readers see themselves in every chapter.
For more information or to collaborate, email us at: info@literaturematters.org
