Tuesday, November 13, 2007

THE FOLLOWING EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY, NOV. 19 DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER ON THE ORIGINAL DATE OF NOV. 15

Wilmington, N.C. - During the closing ceremony for the Kite Runner Common Reading experience at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, teams will participate in a kite flying competition in the Afghan tradition. The closing ceremony will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., MONDAY, Nov. 19, 2007 on Hoggard Lawn.

WHAT: Kite flying competition, closing ceremony for Kite Runner Common Reading Program

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 19

WHERE: Hoggard Lawn on the UNC Wilmington campus

In Afghanistan, kite flying is more than just a form of entertainment. It is an ancient sport that is intricately woven into Afghan history and culture. This type of kite "running" is characterized by fierce competition between individuals and neighborhoods. At times, it becomes a matter of honor, as UNC Wilmington students learned in the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, this year's book chosen for Synergy, the UNCW Common Reading Program.

Group participants will create kites within set guidelines and will be judged on a variety of aspects. In addition to the kite running contest, Common Reading student essay contest winners will read from their work. This is a family-friendly event and the general public is invited and encouraged to attend.

Common reading programs have been instituted at a number of universities across the nation in recent years. The goal of such programs is to create a campus-wide reading and learning experience through activities and programs in the classroom and throughout campus. The Synergy program had its kick-off in early September and events have taken place throughout the fall semester.

Media contacts:

Jennifer Adams, academic advisor for University College and Synergy program coordinator, 910.962.3245 or adamsjb@uncw.edu.

Dana Fischetti, manager of news and media relations, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu.