LeBron's high school to show green wave of support at the King for Kids Bike-A-Thon

LeBron James still has a pocket of hometown supporters, and they will be decked out in green at his King for Kids Bike-A-Thon on Aug. 7 in at Canal Park in downtown Akron.

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School is gathering a "Green Wave" to support their famous alumnus, who helped the Fighting Irish win three state titles and come within an eyelash of a fourth.

James has received a strong backlash from Cleveland fans after his ESPN special, "The Decision," turned out to be the end of his run with the Cavaliers and the start of a new era alongside Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat.

James and his charity, the LeBron James Family Foundation, are grateful to have some Ohio fans on his side.

"LeBron is deeply appreciative of the ongoing support STVM has shown and continues to show him and his foundation," said Keith Estabrook, a spokesperson for the foundation. "He looks forward to another great event on Aug. 7."

Patty Burdon, is coordinating the Green Wave effort for the St. V-M community, which she said has participated actively in the event since it began in 2006. To join the effort, contact her at pburdon@att.net.

"What reason could there be not to support LeBron this year?" she said. "Since LeBron's 2003 graduation from St. Vincent-St.Mary, he has used his celebrity to raise funds to help improve the lives of needy families in the Akron area."

St. V-M is still a regular hangout spot for James, as he has mentioned on his Twitter account that he still works out at the high school.

"Our doors have remained opened to him," Burdon said. "Our administration has personally expressed the support of St. V-M to him, and we will be there in mass at the Bike-A-Thon. The support of LeBron'salma materwill be quite evident."

Burdon said the Cleveland fans' criticism of James has made the Irish community very protective.

"Ironically, had LeBron been drafted to another city out of high school, this would not be an issue in the Cleveland area," she said. "Hopefully, they will soon let go of their anger and put their energy into supporting the Cavs."

The King for Kids Bike-A-Thon offers an eight-mile ride and a family-friendly three-mile ride. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the Bike-a-Thon will begin at 9 a.m.

The entry fee is $15 for individuals, $50 for a team of four and $75 for a family of six. Proceeds will benefit the Akron Area YMCA and the Akron Urban League.

Riders must be 14 years old unless they are riding with their family, and riders must bring their own bikes.

Akron City Council also showed support for James by passing a resolution on July 26 thanking him for his community involvement.