Students will hopefully use their bicycles as an avenue for better opportunities—similar to what LeBron James once did
Photo from NBA
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has partnered with ride-sharing app Lyft and YMCA to supply bikes to students from New York City, Chicago, Oakland, and San Jose to improve their access to transportation.
James, who has always been fond of bicycles, believes that his childhood bike opened doors for him growing up. His bicycle helped him get to safe places after school and brought him to basketball practices around his hometown in Akron, Ohio. The star hopes to do the same thing to dozens of kids with his program called LyftUp.
The goal of LyftUp is to improve transportation access for eligible students. The students will receive membership and education on bike safety guidelines and hopefully use this as an avenue for better opportunities ahead of them—similar to what James once did.
When you show up to @KentState for your 11th grade experience outing, but find out you’re also getting FREE tuition for 4 years AND a year of free room & board‼️ 😱😭 pic.twitter.com/udCrl95qFi
— LeBron James Family Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) February 12, 2020
Besides providing bicycles to students, James’ inaugural class in the school he built called I Promise will also be receiving free tuition to Kent State University. All 193 high school juniors will be guaranteed free tuition for four years and one year of free room and meal plans as they pursue college education. James is also in the process of building temporary housing for families at the same school he founded.
Proud of this!!!!! There's always more to be done when it comes to giving my kids an opportunity to be successful in life. Every barrier we remove can possibly change their family’s life and we're never going to stop!! pic.twitter.com/i90sfja4i4
— LeBron James (@KingJames) November 4, 2019
Bigger than basketball
“For me to be in a position where I can give these kids options to decide what they want to do with their future, it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done,” says James.
James has already solidified himself as one of the best players and it’s remarkable to watch him use his influence for the greater good. His mantra “bigger than basketball” has helped him make an impact on people outside sports. From building his own school to now providing free bicycles and tuition fees for students, his growing legacy outside the basketball court continues to change lives for the better.