Lebron James Gives Back to Akron, Honored by Mayor

AKRON, Ohio –

Since winning his second Olympic gold medal, 27-year-old Miami Heat’s Lebron James was honored Sunday during a minor league game for his recent basketball accomplishments — an MVP award, NBA title and the gold — and for giving back to Akron, where his “Wheels For Education” initiative has provided inner-city kids with supplies, programs, mentors, and above all, hope.

“I was one of these kids,” James said. “It means everything to me to be able to give back. I have a passion for it. I love seeing kids smile, and for them to have someone who can lead them. For me to be in this position and being able to help and give back, means a lot.”

James received a warm ovation from the crowd of 3,843 — more than double the average attendance — when he walked onto the infield at Canal Park, home of the Double-A Akron Aeros, during the middle of the eighth inning escorted by Akron mayor Don Plusquellic.

James met with about 500 children and their families to start the new school year for the James Family Foundation’s Wheels for Education program.

The program aims to help third-graders succeed in school.

The foundation in the past has donated computers for students to use in class and after school programs.

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Posted by WoodlawnPost on Aug 20 2012. Filed under Basketball, Miami Heat. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.