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Microsoft Extends Bikeathon Reach: LeBron James, Mother Thank Event Sponsors, City, Others for Support

Posted on: Saturday, 24 June 2006, 09:00 CDT

By Marilyn Miller, The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

Jun. 24--The second-annual LeBron James King for Kids Bikeathon in Akron is no longer just a local event -- this year it's going "global."

LeBron James met with Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic at Lock 3 Park on Friday to thank the community for its support and to talk about the event's newest sponsor: Microsoft.

"Microsoft's Windows Live is making the bikeathon global, reaching out to 465 million people -- that's a lot of people," James said. "That's how many people will be able to log on to the event."

Microsoft has created a Web site, www.lebronsbikeathon.com, that will enable people to take a virtual tour of the ride with James and other celebrities. The Web site will also feature interviews.

The charity bike event has more than 20 other sponsors, each paying from $5,000 to more than $50,000. Microsoft is reportedly the lead sponsor, but company officials would say only that they made a significant contribution.

Sponsors are donating just about everything, including bicycles from Schwinn and helmets from Sam's Club. Expertise and services are also being donated. The city is paying for the help of more than 100 employees, including police officers to provide security and maintain traffic flow.

The fundraiser will benefit the James Family Foundation, the Akron YMCA and the Akron Urban League.

The foundation was started by LeBron James and his mother, Gloria James. Neither receives a salary from the foundation.

Gloria James said: "I'd like to thank the mayor, the city of Akron, sponsors, volunteers and, last but not least, the community and supporters who help to make the bikeathon a really big success."

LeBron James said participation this year will more than double to 3,000 bike riders. The number of children who will receive bikes has also increased this year from 200 to 300. The children were chosen based on their display of strong character.

"I'm always excited to give back to the kids," James said. "I'm just a kid at heart. Kids love to play outside, and kids love getting things free, too."

Each child who receives a bike also gets a helmet and a goody bag.

Helmets are required for all riders. "This year I will be wearing a helmet," James volunteered before he was asked.

Last year, James and his all-star entourage were teased because they didn't wear the safety headgear, but helmets were mandatory for everybody else.

After the bikeathon, riders and the public are invited to Lock 3 for a community celebration with food and games.

Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or 800-777-7232 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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Source: Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio)

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