March 1, 2009

Dwyane Wade

Posted: 03:12 PM ET
NBA star Dwyane Wade is the national spokesman for National Recess Week.
NBA star Dwyane Wade is the national spokesman for National Recess Week.

You already know him as an NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist. You already know that Dwyane Wade still gets up after falling down seven times. But, the 27-year-old’s acts of kindness often go unnoticed.

Last Christmas, he made headlines when he bought a home for a Florida woman whose nephew accidentally burned her house down. But, the kindness isn’t random for the Miami Heat star who founded Wade’s World, an organization that helps underprivileged kids. Once again, he has teamed up with National Recess Week as the national spokesperson to encourage young people to foster a sense of community and sportsmanship.

Dwyane’s NBA bio says he wants to leave the world a better place. When I met him, he told me he told me that things he wants the world to know him for haven’t been accomplished yet. “But, they will happen,” Dwyane assures me.

Update: Watch the CNN.com Live interview

Filed under: Amazing talents • Athletes • Community contributors • Olympics • Unsung hero


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Dwyane Wade - Young People Who Rock - CNN.com Blogs | NBA Star : Dwyane Wade   March 1st, 2009 7:08 pm ET

[...] Original post:  Dwyane Wade – Young People Who Rock – CNN.com Blogs [...]

Claudius   March 2nd, 2009 10:28 am ET

Dwayne Wade is truly one of the good guys in sports. With all the negative news we've been hearing about professional athletes, it's nice to find one who gives back to the community, regardless of headlines. And I love the reference to his shoe commercial from 2005 – that put him on the map! As alwyas, well done Nicole!

marcel   March 4th, 2009 8:47 am ET

best in the nba in skill and heart

tutul   March 4th, 2009 11:24 am ET

You need to be careful before these athletes are put on a pedestal. I have heard Wade's name in enough scandals, failing to pay child support and not supporting his family. Many a times, these acts of charity are being done to project a sense a good will to mask the real ugliness.

victor moscoso   March 4th, 2009 12:41 pm ET

pound for pound, one of the most sincere, dedicated, and humble athlete in the NBA...

Crunk   March 4th, 2009 1:01 pm ET

I just wish he wasn't having issues with his wife. They seemed so great together. Hopefully she can forgive him for whatever he's done, and hopefully he'll find it in his heart to forgive her for airing out their dirty laundry...for the sake of their children at least.

phil   March 4th, 2009 1:03 pm ET

Wade will spread his STD across the country, 'touching" everyone.

Annie   March 4th, 2009 3:45 pm ET

Dwayne Wade is a hometown guy and he is definitely a stuff to follow; but we can do our part. It is so refreshing to see a young man making an impact in the community the way he is. I feel like a proud parent!
Good job, Dwayne!!!

DWoods   March 4th, 2009 5:57 pm ET

He is one of the many who remember where he came from, where he is headed and the route he wants to take others. Thank God for people like Dwayne Wade!

Damia   March 4th, 2009 10:14 pm ET

Dwayne Wade is my favorite basketball player ever. I always knew there was something that separated him from the average celebrity. Now i know it makes me very proud to a Dwayne Wade fan. I've always was a fan of him now that just puts him a lot higher in my eyes.If there was anything i could do to help him I would love to. I am probably the biggest Dwayne Wade fan ever and I honestly mean that.

Damia M.
Charleston, West Virginia

stella   March 4th, 2009 10:49 pm ET

He's just too cute!

Maylander   March 6th, 2009 10:24 pm ET

Hello, I'm 14 and I'm a girl so basketball isn't that interesting to me but when ever i think of Dwayne Wade I think on how he is the next Micheal Jordan or some awesome basketball player but i also cant help but think of the poem
"American Hero"
by Essex Hemphill

I have nothing to lose tonight.
All my men surround me, panting,
as I spin the ball above our heads
on my middle finger.
5 It’s a shimmering club light
and I’m dancing, slick in my sweat.
Squinting, I aim at the hole
fifty feet away. I let the tension go.
Shoot for the net. Choke it.
10 I never hear the ball
slap the backboard. I slam it
through the net. The crowd goes wild
for our win. I scored
thirty-two points this game
15 and they love me for it.
Everyone hollering
is a friend tonight.
But there are towns,
certain neighborhoods
20 where I’d be hard pressed
to hear them cheer
if I move on the block.
and i just think to myself on how great he is but there will be those who will never acknowledge his skills. Although basketball isn't the best thing in the world i believe when someone does something well especially when you dont know how to do it yourself that person should be congratulated.

will   March 19th, 2009 10:42 am ET

Dwayne Wade is a great guy and i uppreesheate him very much

maclane   March 19th, 2009 11:00 am ET

Dwyane Wade is an amazing basketball player but more inportantly a great person.

Eric   March 19th, 2009 11:05 am ET

D-wade is a straight baller and the fact that he helps the community only makes him that better. It takes alot for someone with such a busy schedule to take time out of his exciting day to help the needy. Wade has proven himself an unselfish player which is not somethin you see everyday. I respect that

DealPlayground   March 24th, 2009 3:08 pm ET

I am a fan of Dwayne Wade, he is a great team player and that reflects his community assistance. It is vital for Super Star athletes to use there wealth to help the less fortunate especially during these hard economic times. So Great Job Dwayne!

http://www.DealPlayground.com
"Find Free Online Coupons and Deals"

Franky   March 26th, 2009 7:03 pm ET

The only thing I want from D-Wade is a damn MVP thank you very much, LOL!! I've been lobbying for that for months...Lebron is gonna win it, I know that for a fact.

But D-Wade is a good citizen, he's cool...only if he wins me an MVP then I'll say yes, LOL!!

JACKY BROWN   April 9th, 2009 8:48 am ET

I love WADE. MVP belongs to him~~~I support him forever!!

Ramzkie   May 1st, 2009 10:17 am ET

Go Wade! Watch NBA Playoffs Live Streaming Games here: http://mypinoytv.info

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Nicole LapinYoung People Who Rock is a weekly interview series focused on people under 30 - from CEOs to entertainers to athletes to community and political leaders - who are doing remarkable things. Nicole Lapin finds them and introduces them here by writing a weekly column that goes out in time for you to chime in before she interviews them Fridays on CNN.com Live.

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