Phila. Reading Olympics competition today

Philadelphia Reading Olympics continues today with 429 students from 28 schools competing at LaSalle University from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The third annual competition which will involve over 1,500 fourth-through-sixth graders opened on Saturday and will continue through Friday.

The students are competing in 134 teams, representing public, parochial, private and charter schools as well as after school programs. Event hosts are Chestnut Hill College, Community College of Philadelphia, the Free Library of Philadelphia Central Branch, Holy Family University, La Salle University, and St. Joseph's University.

Competitors read 20 books from a list compiled by reading specialists, librarians and educators. Teams will compete in three rounds of questioning and will attend an award ceremony where they will receive ribbons based on points earned.

The event, which is supported by donations from area business, involves the collaboration the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Free Library of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Reads, and the School District of Philadelphia.