NY Giant Star Kevin Boothe Inspires Youngsters to Follow Their Dreams

From Hasbrouck HeightsThe football star came to the Hasbrouck Heights Public Library Wednesday to be part of the “Celebration of Books” event and to help promote literacy.                    

Sports fans of all ages crowded into the Hasbrouck Heights Public Library Wednesday eager to meet football star Kevin Boothe of the New York Giants who came out for the annual “Celebration of Books.” 

From Hasbrouck Heights Patch:  The offensive lineman greeted a packed room of fans, many of whom proudly sports their Giants jerseys in his honor. Boothe’s mission was to help promote literacy and while he was there read from the book “Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycle.” But he left the audience with much more than the story he read. Boothe gave kids inspiration as he reminded the words he read in the book apply to everything. 

“Whether it’s learning to ride a bike or learning to play football like me you can go after any dream you want in life,” Boothe told the audience. “If your heart is in the right place you can achieve anything.” 
Boothe said his coach always inspires them to do their best and believing in themselves is what helped the team win the Super Bowl championships. 
“No one really gave us a shot but everyone on that team believed in us and we wound up winning, not once, but twice,” said Boothe as the audience cheered. 
He encouraged them to keep reading and keep visiting their Hasbrouck Heights library. 
Boothe took the time to answer a number of questions from audience members who wanted to know how he got his start in football and what other teams he has played with. 
“It is so much fun because I get to go to work every day and play a game,” Boothe said to a youngster who asked him what it is like to be a football player. 

Boothe is involved with community outreach. He currently works with the Sean James Student Athletes whose mission is to support services to youth and families affected by bullying, violence and suicide through prevention, education and communication, explained Justin Watrel of the Friends of the Library which hosted the Wednesday event.

Due to time constraints Boothe was not able to sign autographs for everyone in attendance however he was asked to sign a copy of “Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bike” which will be on display at the library. 

Mayor Rose Heck presented Boothe with a proclamation in honor of his community outreach and for visiting the Heights library to help promote literacy.