LeBron James’ King for Kids Bikeathon draws 2,000
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Stan Donaldson
Plain Dealer Reporter…LeBron James invited several of his celebrity friends and NBA brethren to help raise money for the Akron YMCA, Akron Urban League and his own foundation that supports youth services, said Jakki Nance, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation.
“This is a wonderful community event that promotes physical fitness and also honors children who are doing the things important to LeBron: academic achievement, trying their hardest and being community leaders,” Nance said.
The event was expected to raise $150,000, Nance said. State Farm Insurance, the main sponsor, gave away more than 400 Huffy bikes to Akron-area children. The children were selected to receive the bikes based on academic and physical fitness goals they met, Nance said.
James led more than 300 children who received the free bikes on a 1-mile ride through the city before the main ride, which was for eight or 16 miles, depending on how far participants wanted to pedal…
SEE EVENT WEBSITE, INCLUDING MAPS, PHOTOS, AND VIDEOS
So much about this story put a big smile on my face:
- 2,000 people biking safely around downtown Akron
- More than 400 free Huffy bikes for kids that met academic and physical fitness goals from State Farm Insurance
- More that 300 kids get to ride around with LeBron James before the official event
- Celebrities like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Troy Smith, and Kenny Lofton using their fame for a good cause
These kids will remember the chance to meet the celebrities for a long time. Hopefully they’ll keep biking for a long time too.
