South College has partnered with nonprofit Legends of Tennessee to encourage reading in kindergarten through fifth-grade classrooms across Knox County. The program, which is called Reading Champions, pairs a University of Tennessee football player with a class for a 90-minute program that includes instruction, a chat about the importance of reading and lunch. Funding is provided by South College. “South College is committed to supporting our community and helping to create lifelong learners – and that starts with encouraging young students to embrace reading,” South College Chancellor Stephen A. South said. “We are proud to partner with Legends of Tennessee to bring the Reading Champions program to Knox County elementary schools as we work together to spark an early zest for learning.” Legends of Tennessee, founded in 2018 by former University of Tennessee football players Jabari Davis and Chris Treece, uplifts and encourages young people across Tennessee through youth sports camps led by former UT athletes. The organization is now expanding with Reading Champions, which launched in an inaugural event on Feb. 1 at Pond Gap Elementary School and will bring athletes to classrooms weekly throughout the school year. “Partnering with South College is a perfect way to support Knox County Schools with an exciting, interactive educational program designed to reinforce the importance of reading,” Davis said. “Literacy and reading comprehension skills are crucial, so we’re here to encourage children to read regularly and emphasize the importance of reading for a successful life.” Founded in 2018 by former University of Tennessee football players Jabari Davis and Chris Treece, Legends of Tennessee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on youth development. The organization’s youth camps and classroom programs engage former University of Tennessee athletes in communities to teach life skills, character, discipline, respect and more. The organization’s goal is to uplift and encourage Tennessee youth to work hard, set goals and pursue their dreams.