Sport
NBA Stars: James, Wade, Bosh, Anthony and pals to tour for charity
The principals involved in this say the tour will be different from most offseason exhibitions in many ways, notably the extensive charitable aspects.
“I am so excited to have this opportunity to participate in this tour,” Anthony said in a press release. “To couple two of the things I love to do, play basketball and give back, is special. This is just the beginning of a movement to facilitate change in our communities and I am happy to be a part of a group of guys willing to lead the charge.”
Events begin November 29 in New York with a court dedication and food drive, before the group moves to Akron for events the following day that include a Wheels for Education program, something James is extensively involved with in an effort to help keep kids from dropping out of high school, and a basketball clinic at the Boys and Girls Club bearing the two-time NBA MVP’s name.
“I am really proud of the work we’re doing in Akron and know what this tour means for the community,” James said.
Paul will host an education-themed event and a clinic in New Orleans on December 2, in advance of the game there two nights later. Wade hosts two events for charity in Chicago on December 6, and another clinic is planned for New York on December 9.
“Being able to play the game I love alongside my friends, as well as raising money for charity is a win-win situation,” Paul said.
Wade said another element he’s looking forward to is simply being around NBA players on a full-time basis again, if only for a couple of weeks. While he remains hopeful that much of the season can be saved, he’s also not necessarily optimistic that he’ll be back in a Heat uniform again and trying for another NBA finals trip anytime soon.
“We’re approaching it as basketball,” Wade said. “We’re not doing it so people don’t forget our names. We’re really doing this to continue to make an impact in the communities that we go to and also to show that we love this game, we’re going to continue to play it and that this is something we all decided to do together. So that’s what makes this special.”
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press
