The City of Akron today joined with the LeBron James Family Foundation in announcing plans for the Fifth annual “LeBron's State Farm King for Kids Bikeathon” to be held in downtown Akron Saturday, August 7th.
“We're pleased to welcome back the NBA's Most Valuable Player for a 5th year,” said Mayor Don Plusquellic. “This event always showcases LeBron's interest in the children of this community.”
400 children will receive bicycles from the James Foundation again this year. Since 2005, LeBron has given more than 1,600 bicycles to deserving Akron children, age 9-14. In the previous four years, LeBron has presented over $250,000 in checks to the Akron Urban League and YMCA in support of their youth programs from the proceeds of the Bikeathon event.
James will be on hand to present the bikes to the children who are being honored, and will participate in the annual 1-mile “Kids Invitational” bike ride down Main Street beginning at 9:30am.
“I'm thrilled that once again my foundation is able to help the city of Akron by bringing together families for a great day. Akron is my home and I will always remain loyal,” said LeBron James. “Being able to honor the kids who have achieved success on so many different levels and are contributing to my hometown is really important to me.
One major change in the 2010 event is the elimination of the 8-mile long bike ride led by LeBron through Akron streets, in which adults and children over 14 have participated in the past.
The number of those wanting to participate in the longer ride declined this year, and the Foundation and the City agreed to forego the longer route in consideration of the city's finances.
In early 2010, the city asked all event sponsors to review their need for city services, and consolidate or eliminate practices that were costly, but not essential to the success of the event. “We want to offer events that are free and low cost for our families who need recreation too,” said Plusquellic. “But the economic recession demands that we always seek balance in what we can sponsor and support.”
In past years, when as many as 1,500 bike riders participated in the 8-mile bike event, the city contributed police and fire department manpower to the extent of $25,000 in overtime payments.
The August 7th Bikeathon sponsored by State Farm, will get underway at 8:00am with the arrival of the children who have been invited to participate, and who will receive a free bike and helmet. At 9:30, the young riders - accompanied by adult volunteer chaperones - will line up on South Main Street in front of Lock 3 to begin the mile ride down Main, turning around in front of the Summacare building. (West Market Street at Main will be closed for approximately 30-minutes.)
At 10:00am, the national children’s cable television network Nickelodeon will host a stage show at Lock 3 for the riders and their families. The event is open to the public.
This year, the city received 352 nominations to honor children from groups such as the Akron Public Schools, Metropolitan Housing, Akron Community Centers, the YMCA, the Urban League, the Boys & Girls Club, and other community organizations. Children are awarded the bikes on the basis of having displayed good character. In addition, the Foundation will present another 48 bikes to children they will honor during the weekend. The Foundation will host additional events through the Bikeathon weekend for the benefit of Akron charities.
This year's event is again being produced by UMCA Sports, a communications solutions company that specializes in unique and creative marketing, based in Los Angeles.
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 “State Farm 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.
