Darrell Davis: Athletes helping the community

LeBron James makes lots of money, has unmatched talents, wins championships and moves from team to NBA team.

There are, for the jealous types, numerous reasons to dislike him. But his actions this week, when he financed and opened a school in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, are beyond reproach.

So engaged was James with helping at-risk children, he recalled the safety and necessity of having a bicycle during his childhood. So James also ensured that every one of the Grade 3 and 4 students received a bicycle and a helmet. Their parents are given job opportunities and access to food. The students get a safe place to study and a guaranteed college education when they finish high school.

It’s not just about sports. When you witness inside this province how Jovon Johnson, Mark McMorris, Graham DeLaet, Zach Collaros, Matt Bradley, Chris and Ryan Getzlaf, the Saskatchewan Roughriders Alumni Association and so many others contribute to the well-being of the overall community, it’s appropriate to thank them. And to realize that athletes are so much more than people who simply play sports.