AKRON, Ohio — Akron native and NBA superstar LeBron James was named TIME’s 2020 Athlete of the Year for the impact he made both on and off the court.
From leading the Lakers to their first championship since 2010 in a year the team experienced immense tragedy with the death of the legendary Kobe Bryant, to launching initiatives to help ex-felons vote and to recruit volunteers to work the polls, James made significant impacts on and off the court this year.
James’ nonprofit, More Than A Vote, was a driving force that encouraged sports areas and venues to open as polling places for the 2020 election.
Being a part of something bigger than the game of basketball is nothing new to James, who has harped on the importance of education and family, especially in Akron, for years. From establishing a school and a living community for Akron children and their families, to providing safe places for children to spend their free time such as updated basketball courts and sports complexes.
To read TIME's full story on James being named the 2020 Athlete of the Year, click here.
