LeBron James Honors Special Olympics MVP After Cavs-Celtics Game

After the Cavaliers 89-77 win over the Celtics, LeBron James made the night of 16-year-old special needs athlete who plays basketball and golf at a Boston area high school.

Aaron Miller was born with severe brain damage and was told by doctors that he would be paralyzed for life. But after numerous hours of surgery and physical therapy, he proved doctors wrong.

Miller was honored during the game’s halftime for winning the MVP at a Special Olympics competition in his city.

During the break, James took a moment to acknowledge Miller personally and congratulate him on his award. Later after the game, the NBA star gave him the shoes off his feet.

James released the following statement after the game (via Boston Herald Celtics reporter Steve Bulpett):

“I wasn't able to hear the whole story because I was in the game and Coach was drawing up the play. But I looked up by the jumbotron and I saw what he’s been through and where he is now, and I think the doctor said he would never walk again or talk again or something like that. I looked up there and I just, I mean, this game is so much more than basketball. And also seeing he had my shoes on, I designed those shoes for kids with conditions where they’re not able to tie their own shoestrings. It’s just one strap, and they’re able to get them on with one hand or whatever the case may be. Then when I saw his story, it was just like I don’t know, I felt like I was part of him, so I was just showing my respect and gave him my shoes, and it was well-received.”

The awe look on Miller's face in the video below just makes this story that much sweeter. This is proof that the power of sports goes far beyond a game.