LeBron James hasn’t even played in the 2016 NBA All-Star game yet, but he’s making his presence in Toronto known in a big way.
James surprised 23 Toronto area public school teams with new uniforms. It didn’t matter if they were basketball teams, cricket teams, or ultimate Frisbee teams. The NBA star didn’t discriminate when it came to new duds.
Perhaps the best thing about the gesture, however, was that James and his foundation, the LeBron James Family Foundation, invited 12 teenage ambassadors to Canada from Ohio to deliver the new uniforms.
The “330 Ambassadors” had never left the United States before this trip. Along with playing James’ little helpers, they also volunteered at Variety Village, a program that helps disabled youth. The ambassadors got the chance to take in a play and visit James at practice as well.
LeBron does this sort of thing during every All-Star weekend.
“It means a lot to me and my foundation to be able to give back to every All-Star city, and in Toronto we wanted to do something special for some teams and groups that earned it.” – LeBron James (Associated Press)
Here are a few photos from the trip:
.@KingJames is sending his 330 Ambassadors to @NBA #AllStar16 to execute #23Acts as his thanks to #Toronto #IPROMISE pic.twitter.com/QTxJpvja5a
— LJ’s Fam Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) February 11, 2016
.@KingJames‘ 330 Ambassadors in service at #AllStar16 #IPROMISE pic.twitter.com/cE4hIUE4Oq — LJ’s Fam Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) February 12, 2016
Thanks to the Lebron James Family Foundation for the new JR boys bball uniforms. @LJFamFoundation @tdsb pic.twitter.com/MuQU8XkB3o
— Parkdale C.I. Sports (@Parkdalesports) February 11, 2016
.@KingJames knows how to kick things off! 23 #Toronto teams now have new @Nike uniforms #23Acts #AllStar16 #IPROMISE pic.twitter.com/K6u54PdqRy — LJ’s Fam Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) February 11, 2016
.@KingJames‘s 330 Ambassadors #AllStar16 #IPROMISE #WorkHardPlayHard pic.twitter.com/7QngO2Y59w
— LJ’s Fam Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) February 12, 2016
.@KingJames rewarded his #Akron 330 Ambassadors for their service to #Toronto. #EarnedNotGiven #IPROMISE pic.twitter.com/OyscplkYH6 — LJ’s Fam Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) February 13, 2016