City of Akron

The city of Akron is proud of LeBron James, a local success story who has twice received the NBA's "Most Valuable Player Award" in his hometown of Akron.

Since its inception in 2005, the centerpiece of "LeBron's State Farm King for Kids Bikeathon" has been the gift of 1,600 bicycles to deserving children in Akron, who have been nominated each year for demonstrating acts of character.

Since 2005, over $300,000 in Bikeathon proceeds have been distributed to charities in the Akron area. Specifically, LeBron's generosity has enabled the Akron Urban League and the Akron Area YMCA to operate programs that particularly benefit inner city children whose lives have been enriched by these organizations.

The Bikeathon has also brought tens of thousands of visitors to Akron over the five years of the Bikeathon, and images of the city have been transmitted all over the world-- showing Akron as a caring city of innovation, creativity, and invention.

Akron fans may not be able to watch their favorite star play locally next year, but just as Akron's other NBA stars: Nate Thurmond, a hall-of-famer at Golden State; and Gus Johnson-- who earned the same honors while playing for Baltimore-- these men knew that Akron was proud of their success, and they always returned to Akron to give back to the youngest of our residents.