AKRON James establishes youth fitness program

The Cavs rookie kicked off the new program in his hometown.
AKRON (AP) -- LeBron James showed that he can be a role model to kids and still be a kid himself.
James announced a youth fitness program in his hometown Monday, telling students at Margaret Park Elementary School to exercise and listen to their parents and teachers.
The 18-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers rookie then played with students, slapped high-fives, posed for photos and pushed off a swing.
"He's fun," 9-year-old Jordyn Stephens said with a smile after playing a game with James.
"I didn't know he was that tall," added 9-year-old Jonisha Ammons.
James pulled up to the school in a pickup truck filled with basketballs and other sports equipment donations.
Sponsored by Nike
James is promoting "P-E-2-Go," a physical education program sponsored by Nike that targets childhood obesity by encouraging PE improvements in schools through teacher training, special gym classes and equipment donations.
"I did this for the kids. I don't want kids to lose out on their childhood," James said.
U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, appearing with the James, said James would have a much bigger impact on children than anything he could ever do or say as surgeon general.
According to statistics, 15 percent of children ages six to 19 are overweight.
For students at Margaret Park School, James' visit was like an extended gym class. They did warmup exercises with James and generally followed him around the school grounds.
"He's already started the process of giving back before he's played his first NBA game," said Akron mayor Donald Plusquellic. About 300 people including students came out for the event.
James' agent, Aaron Goodwin, said his client is still just a kid himself, but already a role model to children.
"Everyone's reading how much he's making," Goodwin said. "We wanted everyone to see the side of him that is willing to give back."
Split costs in Akron
Nike and James split the cost of funding the program in Akron. James signed a $90 million endorsement deal with Nike in May.
"Everybody hears about the contract, but we're doing a lot more things than just trying to sell shoes," James said. "This is a very big step for me."
The pilot program will begin in 23 Akron schools and will be expanded to Chicago; Los Angeles; Memphis, Tenn.; New York; Washington and Portland, Ore.
PE2GO is a joint venture between Nike and the SPARK -- Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids -- program of San Diego State University.