shaq

The person I would call my hero is Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (Shaq). Shaquille Rashaun means little warrior in Islam. His sense of humor is well known throughout the basketball league and many TV shows. Shaq is also known for his charity work. Shaq refers to himself in a joking manner as "a.k.a. the real Superman". Shaq has six children, three boys and three girls.

Shaq is a leader both on and off the basketball court. He led his High School basketball team to a 68-1 record over two years and the state title his senior year (38-0). In his professional career, he is on his fifth team. They are now on a drive toward another championship. He has already won four titles with two other teams. Shaq has his own charity foundation the "Real Model Foundation". This foundation is for helping children and gathering toys for children at Christmas time. Shaq someday wants to be known as Santa Claus. Shaq will give his time to help other NBA players with their foundations when they ask. This past Christmas Shaq was helping U.S. Marines with their Toys for Tots drive.

Shaq has some very defined ideals. He has taken police training in several cities and has worked for Miami and Los Angeles police departments. When he is done with basketball Shaq would like to go into law enforcement. Shaq is a strong role model for kids. He has made many commercials for kids that cover such topics as; stay in school, reading, how to eat well, and stay healthy stay in shape just to name a few. Shaq has made three movies with the theme of the good guy and protector role.

Shaq can be compared to Sir Lancelot of the King Arthur legends and to Perseus of the Greek Hero legends. Lancelot was the champion of the king and the people. Not only did he fight many battles for King Arthur but he took care of the people as well. When Lancelot was done being a knight he became a servant of the people. Perseus also fought many battles. He had two famous battles; one with the Gorgon and one with Medusa. He did these things because he was a man of his word.

I think Shaq fits the title of hero. His battles are fought on the basketball court and his foundation helps the people around us. Shaq has much more than the rest of us but he still gives up his time and money to help out. This he does on his own. He's my hero.