(11/02/09) - Mayor Don Plusquellic today
lauded NBA M.V.P. LeBron James for his newest contributions to the community.LeBron’s
State Farm King for Kids Bikeathon this past August raised $130,000. The LeBron
James Family Foundation delivered checks last month to the Akron Urban League and the
Akron Area YMCA - $65,000 each.
"This shows once again LeBron’s commitment to his hometown," said Mayor
Plusquellic. "He continues to be a role model for our youth - not only in terms of
his accomplishments on the court, but off the court as well."
More than 1,500 bike riders joined LeBron, members of the Cavaliers, and Chris Paul of
the New Orleans Hornets in the fourth running of the Akron bicycle classic - an eight mile
ride through the city.
This year, LeBron also donated another 400 bicycles to children ages 9-14, nominated
based on merit and character to ride in a special "Invitational" ride down Main
Street in downtown Akron
"In these challenging economic times," says Akron YMCA President & CEO
Doug Kohl, "LeBron’s support of YMCA childcare and mentoring programs is
immeasurable. His continued support means that we can continue to serve young people needs
through the positive values in all YMCA programs. We are honored by his dedication to the
children of Akron through the work of the YMCA."
Last week, the Akron Urban League also received a new KIA automobile, given to it by
LeBron as part of his MVP Award from the NBA. "This has been a challenging year due
to the economy," says Urban League President and CEO Bernett Williams. "The
$65,000 in financial support from the 2009 Bikeathon could not have come at a more
critical time for the Akron Urban League. We will use the funds to offset cost associated
with our youth and employment programs. Sincere thanks to LeBron for his continued support
of our community…and most importantly, for including young people in his
efforts."
The popular, family-friendly Bikeathon, which this year featured two productions by
Nickelodeon - the Children’s TV network, is made possible with the support and
cooperation of the City of Akron.
State Farm, the nation’s top insurer, is the title sponsor for the King for
Kids Bikeathon
"Being able to honor the kids who have achieved success on so many different
levels and are contributing to my hometown of Akron is really important to me," said
LeBron. "I’m thrilled that once again my Foundation was able to help the
community by bringing together families for a great day."
This year’s event was produced by UMCA Sports, a communications solutions company
that specializes in unique and creative marketing, based in Los Angeles.
-end-
About the LeBron James Family
Foundation
Founded in 2004, the LeBron James Foundation empowers children
and single-parent households through innovative programming and initiatives, strengthening
the ties between family members and building hope through education, physical fitness and
better health for those who are dealing with adversity. Among the
Foundation’s most important national programs is the Playground Build Initiative,
which is focused on developing family-centered safe play spaces where children can be
physically active in a multi-dimensional environment that encourages creative play.
It began in 2008 during the NBA All-Star activities in New Orleans, LeBron
and his foundation installed a playground at the St. Bernard Recreation Center, and in
2009, in Phoenix, during the All-Star activities, a playground was installed at the Robson
Boys and Girls Club, in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition, the Foundation hosts the
"King for Kids Bikeathon," a fun-filled family event that honors area children
while promoting physical fitness and raising awareness and critical funding for important
community initiatives focused on empowering children and families, whose proceeds are
donated to the Akron Area YMCA and the Akron Urban League.
