Michael Jeffrey Jordan

Michael Jordan with a basketball (http://www.101kidz.com/cards/pictures/michaeljordon/6.jpg)

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." My hero makes it happen. My hero is Michael Jordan, and I believe he is the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. He is a positive role model to sports fans of all ages. He has the concentration, the focus, and the will power to keep playing even when he is worn out or in pain. He is a determined player and that's what makes him a sports hero to many.

Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. His parents are James and Delores Jordan. He has two older brothers, one older sister, and one younger sister. He attended high school at Emsley A. Laney High School, and if anyone can believe it, he got cut from the basketball team as a sophomore. Michael started practicing every day and became the leading scorer on the varsity team. He got a scholarship to the University of North Carolina and was named ACC Freshmen of the Year. He made the game winning shot against Georgetown to win the Tarheels the NCAA National Championship in 1982. He was then drafted into the NBA by the Chicago Bulls. He played thirteen seasons with the Bulls, and then moved on to play with the Wizards for two seasons. He won the NBA's most valuable player in 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, and 1997. He also holds the record for most points scoredin an NBA play-off game, in which he scored 63 points. Much to everyone's disappointment, Michael announced his retirement in 1993. After a short venture into basball, where he played for the Birmingham Barons, he returned to the Bulls in 1995 to win two more MVPs and in 1998, his sixth NBA title.

Michael Jordan dunking from free throw line (http://www.geocities.com)

Michael Jordan is a very determined and hard working person which reflected in his success at basketball. He didn't get that way by just lying around. He was very focused and up every day shooting, practicing, or just playing. He loves the game so much he never took a break from basketball. Michael once said,"Even when I'm old and grey, I won't be able to play it, but I'll still love the game." He is very dedicated to the game.

He is also a very giving person. In 1994 he established the James R. Jordan Boys and Girls Club and Family Life Center in Chicago. He also donated two million dollars to the foundation. He continues to support charitable organizations such as the Special Olympics, UNCF, and other children and family organizations. He recently co-hosted an event that raised 2.5 million dollars for the research of prostate cancer.

Michael Jordan playing for the Wizards (http://www.photofile.com)

Michael Jordan is my hero because he is not only a great basketball player and athlete, but also a great humanitarian. He has had so many great accomplishments in his life yet he is still a very down to earth man. He has used his fame and fortune in very positive ways by helping those who are less fortunate than himself. Being the greatest basketball player of all time, being a devoted family man, and being a role-model to the world makes Michael Jordan the greatest sports hero ever to play the game.