Lebron James: NBA legend opens school for less privileged kids

Lebron James builds his legacy off the court by establishing a school to help children from difficult backgrounds.

NBA legend Lebron James opened ‘I Promise School’ IPS for less privileged kids in his hometown of Akron, Ohio on Monday, July  31.

The inspiration behind the school is to help students of Akron who come from difficult backgrounds progress in their educational ambitions up till university level.

Before the official launch of the school, LeBron described the institution as 'one of the greatest moments of my life.

 

Lebron who recently completed a big money move to LA Lakers skipped university but the I Promise School will provide the resources for students in his community who desire further education.

According to the Daily Mail, IPS will have a shorter break and longer school days but its benefits include free bikes, helmets, school supplies, IPS clothing and two healthy meals, while students who can complete the program will be given a full ride to the university.

Speaking to students and well-wishers gathered at the official opening of the school, Lebron stated that the opening of the school was a monumental occasion for him.

 

He said, “I think this is the greatest accomplishment for me because it's not just me. A championship is for a team, that's for an organization and a city. But these kids, this is for generation after generation after generation and it's for these kids, so it means everything.”

Michele Campbell the executive director of the James foundation revealed the reason why setting up the school was so important.

She said, “We all know which path he took. He took the right path with some very good people around him and now we know him as the world's best basketball player. He could've taken the other road, and we would've never known LeBron James. He would've been a statistic like a lot of students who drop out of school.

 

“Every one of these kids, maybe they don't become LeBron James on the basketball court, but they become the LeBron James of their passion and dream in life.

"We're coming to them at a time when people came to LeBron and Gloria and wrapped around them and believed in them before he was this great basketball player.”

After a disappointing defeat to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA finals, Lebron will hope he can inspire the LA Lakers to a playoff place after the regular season.