Michelle Obama and LeBron James tell students to follow their dreams

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NBA's biggest star joined Mrs Obama in his hometown of Akron, in Ohio
Has provided disadvantaged children with chance to go to college for free
Mrs Obama said 'we love LeBron James' and he is 'stepping up so huge'

Published: 16:51 EST, 21 October 2015 | Updated: 10:46 EST, 22 October 2015

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They both came from tough backgrounds, growing up with little money and scant hope.

But as they stood side-by-side on stage in front of thousands of adoring teenagers, Michelle Obama and LeBron James were proof dreams can come true.

As the First Lady told the audience: 'We didn't come from places where families had a lot of money and a lot of resources. But we're standing here today. If we can be here, we know you can be here too'.

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Michelle Obama teamed up with LeBron James to emphasise the importance of education in Akron, Ohio

Referring to James, Mrs Obama said 'we love this man because of the man he is. He is stepping up so huge'

Mrs Obama and James both had tough backgrounds growing up - the First Lady was raised in Chicago's south side, the daughter of a city pump operator, while James was raised by a single mother in Akron

The NBA's biggest star, who also has two Olympic gold medals, joined Mrs Obama in his hometown of Akron, in Ohio, to promote the importance of education.

James, who was wearing a T-shirt with 'We Are Family' on, is giving children from Akron - ones with challenged backgrounds like his - the chance to go to college for free.

He said: 'You kids, you guys are like the icing on the cake for me in everything that I do.'

He has partnered with the University of Akron to provide a guaranteed four-year scholarship for students in the area.

The scholarship will cover tuition and the university's general service fee - currently $9,500 a year.

NBA's biggest star told the 2,500-strong crowd: 'You kids, you guys are like the icing on the cake for me in everything that I do'

Mrs Obama said 'there's absolutely nothing more important than education' and is encouraging students to aim higher than just a high school diploma

Mrs Obama told the crowd: 'Mr. LeBron, as you call him - I was telling Mr. LeBron that he has two huge fans in the White House. That's me and that's President Obama.

'Now, yes, [LeBron] is probably one of the greatest athletes on the planet. But we love this man because of the man he is. You know?…He is stepping up so huge.'

She went on: 'LeBron is investing so much in you guys because he knows that you're worth it. It's on you. You've got college paid for. Are you going to do the work to get there?'

The 2,500-strong crowd responded with a resounding 'Yes.'

Mrs Obama recently launched a campaign of her own - called Reach Higher - to encourage students to aim higher than just a high school diploma.

She told ESPN: 'There's absolutely nothing more important than education. It is the absolute best investment that young people can make in their futures.

'I just don't think we talk about that enough. We don't shine a light on that.'

James and Obama took to the stage together inside the University of Akron's Rhodes Arena, a venue where the four-time league basketball star played many times while in high school

Mrs Obama greets people at the University of Akron after a talk promoting the importance of education

James, a four-time NBA most valuable player, grew up in Akron, and the 30-year-old has spent much of his career giving back to the community.

The basketball star, who bypassed college by turning professional at 17, was joined at the event by his wife, Savannah and their three children.

He rejoined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 after a stint at Miami Heat, who he signed for in 2010.

He told the crowd: 'While I was away, it kind of hit home for me in understanding how big my influence is and how important my muscle is right now has nothing to do with the game of basketball.

'And so it was definitely in my thoughts and in my mind, and I can sit here today going on Year 2 since I've come back home and seeing I've set up something I can be proud of. And not proud because I've used my name, but proud of the fact that these kids have something to look forward to.'

He added: 'Just to piggyback on what Mrs Obama said, there are so many kids that have so many dreams, and those dreams get shut off because of so many different reasons.

'It could be a family situation or it could be just they don't believe that their dreams can become reality. With this education program that we're setting up, it allows that dream to become real.'

Mike Darke who was sat in the stands along with his 8-year-old son, Ethan, said James' college promise is a blessing for many families.

The father-of-three said: 'That was probably the best thing I have ever heard in my life.

'It's giving a path to college that a lot of kids don't have. It's a great opportunity for him and for a lot of kids, and to not take advantage of it would be crazy.'