LeBron James unveils his school in Akron before heading to L.A.

AKRON, Ohio – LeBron James went down the streets that he grew up Monday afternoon and parked his vehicle in front of the school. he helped build before wandering the hallways for the first time.

The LeBron James Family Foundation, originally from Akron, is badociated with the Akron Public Schools system to create the learning center that first opened its doors to 240 students. third and fourth year students enrolled in the full immersion program.

The plan is to add more notes as the years go by, filling the new structure in downtown Akron with students who will see the virtues of the school – "I'm going to work hard," "I'll never give up," and so on. – Decorated on the walls whenever they enter the impressive rotunda-shaped entrance.

While James has already declared the SCH OOL project the most significant achievement of his career, considering that he missed more than 80 days of school when he was in fourth grade because From his unstable home life, the opportunity comes less than a month after he announced his decision to play for Los Angeles Lakers and make a new home in the West.

"It's a bittersweet moment right now, sitting here in my school that I open around these kids, around this community and at the same time, going to the school. other coast, being a part of the Lakers now, "James told ESPN's Rachel Nichols in a wide-ranging siege interview.

"It's always a difficult decision when you leave the house or you leave an organization that you've been with for several years.It was hard to leave the first time I left (that's why). was hard) when I left Miami and I leave Cleveland again it's definitely hard but it's a decision that's better for me and my family, and I think both sides and enjoying the moments and the time we spent together. "

James hopes to establish a sense of unity at the I Promise School that will put students on the path to success.

School has longer hours, from 9 am to 5 pm, and a longer school year than the typical public school. Students will also receive meals during the school day. James wants that students have an unshakeable sense of support

"I think first" I remember when I was kid, my attention, I mean, listen, you could have a little, but you had to keep me engaged so I obviously think to feed these kids and give them breakfast and lunch and a snack We are here under our support, keeping them here under our direction and giving them goals and criteria that they can match and not feel stressed and feel like they are family. That's what we want to create.

"We want to create a family environment and not a workplace, sometimes you can get tired if you look at it like work, you get tired of it. Create a family environment where you always want to be close to your family, no matter how good and bad, you always want to be around that support system. So that's what we create here. "

When James missed 83 in the fourth grade because he and his mother were living on the other side of the city and had trouble coming and going from the school building without a car and a schedule Uncooperative bus, his fortune changed for the better when several families took a "

" It was a challenge, "said James." It was a mental challenge, sometimes it is thought that A child is in third grade at that age, between 8 and 7 years old, in fourth grade being responsible or under stress – no child at 8 or 9 years old should be stressful I was one of those kids So I know exactly what these kids are doing today.

"But every time I went to school, it's weird, the teachers always said mom when he shows up he is one of the best students we have. We just hope that he can show more. And we just could not do it at that time. So I know exactly what these children are going through.

James noted that the support he received from him came before he was recognized as an outstanding athlete – the first year he played organized basketball was in fifth grade.

While the opening of the school is a tangible representation of his public service, James promised to continue to make a difference by his example and by addressing social issues when he deems it timely – even if it means that President Donald Trump

"Well for me, I have a voice, I have a platform and I have so many children and not just kids, but adults and everyone looking for advice. "And when we see something unfair or we see something that is wrong or we see something trying to divide us into a race or a country, then I feel as my voice can be heard and speak volumes I live in sport, without sport, we would not all be here, I would not talk with you, Rach, you would not interview me. fight for a common goal: win and have fun, have fellowship and things like that, and that someone or a group of people is trying to divide us using our sports platform, the sport I gave everything I could ask, I could not let that happen … So, using my voice and letting the young person and the people who need to be guided, I know I care about them and I am pbadionate because, as I said, sport is the ultimate way to bring people together, it is p for that I am here. "

And despite his recent political plea, this will remain on his side"

"I can settle for mentoring (my kids) a bit," says James. visions of running for the office in the future. "My training at the AAU – two tournaments, two national championships, I feel very good in my situation."

He will feel even better at He sees that the school I Promise has an impact on the lives of young people "When we will have the statistics … years from now, we see a lot of these kids going to the university and starting their own business or giving back to the community, things of that nature will make us all proud, "said James. "Because that's why we're here, we're a huge support group for these kids." "We just want everything for them, everything and more, so it will mean a lot to me."