LeBron’s 2009 State Farm® King for Kids Bikeathon
Popular Cycling Fundraiser, Sponsored by State Farm, Will Recognize and Reward Akron Children
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CLEVELAND, OH - June 15, 2009 - The LeBron James Family Foundation today announced that NBA All-Star and the 2009 NBA MVP, LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers will host the “LeBron’s State Farm King for Kids Bikeathon” in Akron, Ohio, on August 22, 2009. The popular family-friendly fundraising event, which is made possible with the support and cooperation of the City of Akron, will recognize and reward Akron-area children who have achieved academic success, improved their physical fitness and made important contributions to the community.
State Farm, the nation’s top insurer, is the title sponsor for the “King for Kids Bikeathon,” which is expected to attract more than 3,500 riders with proceeds from the event being donated to the Akron Area YMCA and the Akron Urban League.
“Being able to honor the kids who have achieved success on so many different levels and are contributing to my hometown of Akron is really important to me,” said LeBron James. “I’m thrilled that once again my Foundation can help the community by bringing together families for a great day,” he added.
“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the Bikeathon and to be part of LeBron’s mission to help families in the inner city. We are proud of LeBron’s accomplishments both on and off the court, and we look forward to working with him again to make this event even more successful this year,” said Akron city mayor, Donald L. Plusquellic.
“State Farm is excited to join LeBron in presenting this outstanding event for the children and community of Akron,” said Pam El, State Farm marketing vice president. “We are proud of the kids for their educational and service efforts. Their hard work along with LeBron’s support furthers our shared goals to build stronger, safer and better educated communities.”
This year’s event is being produced by UMCA Sports, a communications solutions company that specializes in unique and creative marketing. They have produced events for companies such as NIKE, HBO, and Sega.
“UMCA Sports is honored to take part in such a rewarding experience for everyone involved, said Damon Haley, CEO of UMCA Sports and we salute LeBron and the LJFF for their efforts in making the annual Bikeathon such an important event for everyone in Akron.” said Damon Haley, CEO of UMCA Sports.
In addition to State Farm, additional sponsors are American Express, NIKE, Coca-Cola, Upper Deck, Ripley’s Believe or Not, Value City Furniture, DSW, SMobile, JSSI, and Hitchcock, Fleming & Associates.
The registration cost for the Bikeathon is $15 for individuals, $50 for teams and groups (up to a maximum of four) and $75 for families (up to a maximum of six in a family). All registered riders will receive a “King for Kids” T-shirt to be worn during the Bikeathon. For more information or questions about the Bikeathon, visit www.kingofkidsbikeathon.com or please send an email to info@kingforkidsbikeathon.com.
Following the completion of the ride, all riders, spectators, families and individuals are invited to the Lock 3 Community Celebration. Admission is free. LeBron, his friends and family will be on hand along with entertainment, food, beverages, games and other fun activations. There will also be a presentation of awards and acknowledgement of the riders, and the Bikeathon partners.
About The LeBron James Family Foundation:
Founded in 2004, the LeBron James Family Foundation empowers children and single-parent households through innovative programming and initiatives, strengthening the ties between family members and building hope through education, physical fitness and better health for those who are dealing with adversity. Among the Foundation’s most important national programs are the Playground Build Initiative, which is focused on developing family-centered safe play spaces where children can be physically active in a multi-dimensional environment that encourages creative play; and “Meal & a Movie” events, which provide disadvantaged families with the opportunity to spend quality time together by enjoying a special meal and viewing a not-yet-released family-friendly movie. In addition, the Foundation hosts the “King for Kids Bikeathon,” a fun-filled family event that honors area children while promoting physical fitness and raising awareness and critical funding for important community initiatives focused on empowering children and families.
About State Farm®:
State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,700 agents and 68,600 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 78.7 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.
About UMCA Sports:
UMCA Sports is a communication solutions company that specializes in demand creation, experiential marketing, non-traditional advertising and unique alternatives to touching, moving and inspiring consumers. Founded in 1999, UMCA Sports’ clients include NIKE, Jordan Brand, HBO, Pepsi, Frito Lay, TBS, Lionsgate and the NBA, just to name a few. Please visit www.umcasports.com for more information.
State Farm, the nation’s top insurer, is the title sponsor for the “King for Kids Bikeathon,” which is expected to attract more than 3,500 riders with proceeds from the event being donated to the Akron Area YMCA and the Akron Urban League.
“Being able to honor the kids who have achieved success on so many different levels and are contributing to my hometown of Akron is really important to me,” said LeBron James. “I’m thrilled that once again my Foundation can help the community by bringing together families for a great day,” he added.
“We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the Bikeathon and to be part of LeBron’s mission to help families in the inner city. We are proud of LeBron’s accomplishments both on and off the court, and we look forward to working with him again to make this event even more successful this year,” said Akron city mayor, Donald L. Plusquellic.
“State Farm is excited to join LeBron in presenting this outstanding event for the children and community of Akron,” said Pam El, State Farm marketing vice president. “We are proud of the kids for their educational and service efforts. Their hard work along with LeBron’s support furthers our shared goals to build stronger, safer and better educated communities.”
This year’s event is being produced by UMCA Sports, a communications solutions company that specializes in unique and creative marketing. They have produced events for companies such as NIKE, HBO, and Sega.
“UMCA Sports is honored to take part in such a rewarding experience for everyone involved, said Damon Haley, CEO of UMCA Sports and we salute LeBron and the LJFF for their efforts in making the annual Bikeathon such an important event for everyone in Akron.” said Damon Haley, CEO of UMCA Sports.
In addition to State Farm, additional sponsors are American Express, NIKE, Coca-Cola, Upper Deck, Ripley’s Believe or Not, Value City Furniture, DSW, SMobile, JSSI, and Hitchcock, Fleming & Associates.
The registration cost for the Bikeathon is $15 for individuals, $50 for teams and groups (up to a maximum of four) and $75 for families (up to a maximum of six in a family). All registered riders will receive a “King for Kids” T-shirt to be worn during the Bikeathon. For more information or questions about the Bikeathon, visit www.kingofkidsbikeathon.com or please send an email to info@kingforkidsbikeathon.com.
Following the completion of the ride, all riders, spectators, families and individuals are invited to the Lock 3 Community Celebration. Admission is free. LeBron, his friends and family will be on hand along with entertainment, food, beverages, games and other fun activations. There will also be a presentation of awards and acknowledgement of the riders, and the Bikeathon partners.
About The LeBron James Family Foundation:
Founded in 2004, the LeBron James Family Foundation empowers children and single-parent households through innovative programming and initiatives, strengthening the ties between family members and building hope through education, physical fitness and better health for those who are dealing with adversity. Among the Foundation’s most important national programs are the Playground Build Initiative, which is focused on developing family-centered safe play spaces where children can be physically active in a multi-dimensional environment that encourages creative play; and “Meal & a Movie” events, which provide disadvantaged families with the opportunity to spend quality time together by enjoying a special meal and viewing a not-yet-released family-friendly movie. In addition, the Foundation hosts the “King for Kids Bikeathon,” a fun-filled family event that honors area children while promoting physical fitness and raising awareness and critical funding for important community initiatives focused on empowering children and families.
About State Farm®:
State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. State Farm's 17,700 agents and 68,600 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 78.7 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 31 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.
About UMCA Sports:
UMCA Sports is a communication solutions company that specializes in demand creation, experiential marketing, non-traditional advertising and unique alternatives to touching, moving and inspiring consumers. Founded in 1999, UMCA Sports’ clients include NIKE, Jordan Brand, HBO, Pepsi, Frito Lay, TBS, Lionsgate and the NBA, just to name a few. Please visit www.umcasports.com for more information.
