Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James surprised his I PROMISE School students by announcing a $1 million Sports Matter grant from the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation to build a brand new gym.
The I PROMISE School serves 240 of Akron Public School’s most at-risk third and fourth grade students. James, who was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, opened the school in 2018 as a joint venture between the LeBron James Family Foundation and the Akron Public Schools.
The Lakers star continues to show he's arguably the greatest role model of our generation:
“To my kids, this is more than a gym,” James said. “The DICK’S Sports Matter program is helping us provide even more opportunities. An opportunity to play and learn in a safe place that many don’t have access to. I can’t imagine where my friends and I would be if it weren’t for the coaches and teachers who cared about us and the opportunities we had.
“I believe the sky is the limit for these kids and the results we’re seeing are just the beginning. DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation believes in the opportunities and values sports provide, and I’ve experienced that at every level. I saw it growing up with my teammates and I see it with my kids now. The benefits of playing sports can extend to every aspect of your life, and I’m excited we’re able to provide a space for that growth at the I PROMISE School.”
James signed a four-year deal with the Lakers last summer, but he's been going back to the school often to make sure things are going well.
All students started the school year in the bottom 25th percentile and were performing below grade level. In less than a year, they’ve shown incredible improvement, with 90 percent meeting or exceeding individual growth goals in reading and math, outpacing peers across the district.
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