U of S Speed Scrabble raises funds for literacy programs

SASKATOON - The University of Saskatchewan Students' Union (USSU) and University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Learning Commons partners are hosting a Speed Scrabble Tournament to raise awareness and funds for literacy programs in Saskatoon.

Organizers have invited community members, students, staff and faculty to compete in a fast-paced version of the popular board game. The fifth annual event takes place Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 1:30-3pm in the Learning Commons of the U of S Murray Library. The goal is to raise $5,000 to support READ Saskatoon and its financial, family and adult literacy programs.

Speed Scrabble is a fast-paced variant played without a board. The object is to use up the tiles as quickly as possible. For this tournament, players will get bonus points for literacy-related words. Twelve teams of four will compete for the title of Speed Scrabble champion and prizes donated by local businesses. The event will help educate participants, volunteers and observers about the importance of literacy in our community.

Literacy is one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty and inequality and for laying the basis for sustained economic growth. Earnings rise with the level of literacy: each additional year of education raises an individual's annual earnings by approximately 8.3 per cent.

"For five years, this event has raised much-needed funds and awareness about literacy, lifelong learning and READ Saskatoon," said organizer Liv Marken of the University Learning Centre. "But it's also about helping to educate people in the community—including those on campus—about something that affects all of us as citizens."

Donations to the event can be made through READ Saskatoon's website. Please indicate in the comments box that funds go toward the U of S Speed Scrabble Tournament.

-30-


For more information, please contact:

Liv Marken
Writing Help Co-ordinator
Student Learning Services
University of Saskatchewan
306-966-2771
liv.marken@usask.ca

 

Sheryl Harrow-Yurach
Executive Director
READ Saskatoon
306-652-5448
info@readsaskatoon.com