AKRON, OH, APRIL 16, 2008 — The LeBron James Family Foundation today announced that NBA All-Star LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers will host the State Farm “King for Kids Bikeathon” in Akron, Ohio, on June 21, 2008. 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.

Proceeds from the bikeathon will be divided among the Akron Area YMCA, the Akron Urban League and the LeBron James Family Foundation, which will use its share to establish a grant program to benefit other non-profit organizations in Northeast Ohio.

“I can’t wait to ride in this year’s bikeathon,” said LeBron James. “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. I’m thrilled that my Foundation is helping the community by bringing together families for a great day.”

“This is a great event for Akron,” said Mayor Don Plusquellic. “Everyone knows of LeBron James’ commitment and devotion to kids, and they look up to him for that as much as they do for his game. We are thrilled to be able to contribute to the bikeathon and be part of the LeBron James Family Foundation’s mission to help families in the inner city.”

Serving as sponsors for the bikeathon are State Farm and FSN Ohio, who is the exclusive television sponsor, as well as the Coca-Cola Company, Nike, Nickelodeon, City of Akron, Summa Health System, SummaCare, Quicken Loans, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cub Cadet, Goodyear, Buckeye Community Health Plan, Hitchcock Fleming & Associates, Upper Deck, Squire Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P., Cannondale, Brennan Family Foundation and Eddy’s Bike Shop.

“State Farm is committed to the children and community of Akron, and we are thrilled with LeBron’s leadership and heart for Akron’s children as well,” said Pam El, State Farm marketing vice president. “This bike rodeo is one example of how State Farm’s relationship with LeBron builds upon our long-term efforts to develop happier, healthier families.”

“The State Farm ‘King for Kids Bikeathon’ is all about providing families with the opportunity to spend quality time together, do something healthy and have fun doing it,” said Jakki Nance, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “We are proud to honor the children of Akron who understand the importance of doing well in school, staying fit and becoming leaders in the community.”

LeBron James will kick-off the event, which will be highlighted by three separate rides honoring different groups of Akron kids:

• Kids’ Ride (1.5 miles): Participating in the Kids’ Ride are 300 children between the ages of 9-11 who have demonstrated academic achievement and other markers of success in school. Each child will receive a new bicycle and helmet. Serving as chaperones for the Kids’ Ride are 15-17 year-olds who are being recognized for their involvement in National Youth Services Day. These boys and girls will receive exclusive gift bags.
• Family-Friendly Ride (3 miles): This ride will be led by 100 youths between the ages of 12-14 who have significantly improved their physical fitness. Each of these participants will receive a new bike and helmet.
• Main Ride (8 miles): Bikers participating in the Main Ride will take an eight-mile route from downtown Akron throughout the city.

After the rides are completed, the public is invited to a Lock 3 Community Celebration featuring Nickelodeon characters, a NASCAR simulator courtesy of Cub Cadet and a thrilling drumline showcase. A raffle of special memorabilia will also take place.

The registration cost for the bikeathon is $15 for individuals 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, please send an email to bike@lebronjamesff.org.

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. For more information on the LeBron James Family Foundation, call 216-325-0972 or go online to LeBron.msn.com.