Sport

James fulfills promise with opening of school in Akron

The LeBron James Family Foundation is partnering with Akron Public Schools on the "I Promise School", named for the pledge-to-graduate that James encourages students to take.

His LeBron James Family Foundation partnered with Akron Public Schools to design the school for public school students in the area who come from hard circumstances.

James has proven himself to be an wonderful player on the court, but through his foundation and now his school, he's also proven himself to be a phenomenal human being when it comes to giving back to others in need.

According to the LeBron James Family Foundation, the matching shoe from each pair not on display will be made available for purchase through Upper Deck with proceeds going to the organization's future initiatives.

"I did my due diligence after the season on the pros and cons of a lot of different teams, including the Cavs and including Philadelphia, including Houston and Los Angeles", James said. And then, for it to all come to fruition at this point, I think timing is everything.

James, who this month ended his second stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers by signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, has opened a public school for challenged children in his hometown. Every student has a bicycle available for them to ride, because James found freedom riding his bike while growing up in Akron. "People always ask me, why a school?" And I was one of those kids so I know exactly what those kids today are going through being a part of this.

"For kids, in general, all they want to know is that someone cares", James explained. I know everything they dream about. "And the parents can go to the family resource center and get the supports that they need in order to provide the best possible environment for their children".

Monday's grand opening was also "bittersweet", as James reflected on the reality that he will be leaving Cleveland to move to California.

The school is well equipped and has 12 teachers and 43 academic staff and over 120 students enrolled.

James continues to be an example for all professional athletes.

stayontheblack.com

James fulfills promise with opening of school in Akron