Gruppo Editoriale ELi has launched “Read&Play,” a new educational initiative providing over 1,000 graded English reading volumes to youth basketball players competing against Pallacanestro Recanati at the Pala Cingolani Pierini. The program spans youth divisions from “Esordienti” up to Under-19, combining sportsmanship with language learning to foster connections between opposing teams in the Serie B Interregionale club’s youth sector.
Read&Play Expands Youth Basketball Education in Recanati
The publishing house has maintained a long-standing partnership as a primary supporter of Pallacanestro Recanati, a basketball club based in the leopardian city. Through the Project Basket Academy, the club coordinates youth development across various local entities. This season, the collaboration deepens with the introduction of Read&Play, an initiative designed to integrate English language learning into youth basketball competition. The project relies on graded reading materials tailored to different age groups, offering young athletes a tool to improve their foreign language skills while encouraging positive engagement with visiting squads.
Distribution Across Pala Cingolani Pierini Youth Fixtures
Under the terms of the initiative, the publishing group will supply graded reading texts to every player on visiting youth teams during matches held at the Pala Cingolani Pierini. The distribution covers all competitive brackets from the Esordienti category through the Under-19 team. Organizers project that more than 1,000 individual volumes will reach student-athletes from the Marche region and beyond. The program’s framework traces back to the educational philosophy of ELi founder Don Lamberto Pigini, whose work emphasized youth formation and education through athletic participation.
Sport Serves as Bridge for Academic Development
Michele Casali, Chief Executive Officer of Gruppo Editoriale ELi and a sporting director for Pallacanestro Recanati, outlined the motivations behind the rollout. Read&Play was strongly supported by the organization to communicate a clear message about athletic and academic development. Casali stated that sport carries positive concepts and serves as an effective bridge for younger generations to acquire new competencies, such as the English language. He added that supporting youth in realizing their athletic and academic talents remains a primary objective for the community, aligning with the company motto, “The pleasure of learning.”
