LeBron’s Third Annual King for Kids Bikeathon Draws 2,000

After giving away 400 bicycles to kids, $150,000 to area community groups and leading about 2,000 riders in the third annual LeBron James’ King for Kids Bikeathon on Saturday afternoon, the Cavaliers superstar gave away DVDs, MP3 players and eventually tossed not only his shirt, but his shoes, sunglasses and his watch into the crowd to the delight of hundreds of fans. 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. Celebrities who came out to support James included Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade, former Ohio State football star Troy Smith and former Indians player Kenny Lofton. Also on hand for the bike ride were Cavaliers guard Daniel “Boobie” Gibson, General Manager Danny Ferry and head coach Mike Brown. 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. “Kids in my community… they don’t get an opportunity to have fun all the time. I’m happy that I’m able to give back to the kids. I don’t care about nothing else… that goes on around here besides the kids having fun and having an opportunity to have a dream and live a dream,” James said.