Page 4 îlf* Portiani» (Dhseruer July 14. 2010 S ports James Picks South Beach i o j NBA MVP LeBron James announces his decision to join the Miami Heat during an exclusive ESPN telecast Thursday in Greenwich, Conn. Joins Miami, disappointing Cleveland (AP) -- When the months o f sus­ pense peaked, LeBron James deliv­ ered a few words that rocked the NBA and changed two cities and franchises. At9:27 p.m., James, lookingner- vous and somewhat unsure, finally announced his plans from a small stage in Greenwich, Conn. "This fall, and it's very tough," James said to a national TV audi­ ence. "I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat." In Florida, there was rejoicing. I n Ohio, only heartbreak and tears — then anger. The most wanted man in league history decided Thursday night that it was time to leave the comforts of W / home to chase a championship. The two-time MVP, a player wit supreme skills but without a title decided to join forces with fellow superstars, good friends and U.S Olympic teammates Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh— a dominant three some that could rule the league foi years to come. "I can't say it was always in my plans, because I never thought i was possible," James said o f thi union with the two perennial All- Stars, players he has known foi years. "I've looked forward to it Those are two great players, two o the greatest players that we have ir this game today. You add me, anc we have a really good team." Landing James was a huge vie tory for the team president Pat Riley who was able to corral the top three stars in an unprecedented free-agem class and now must resist the temp tation to leave the front office tc coach them. Jam es' announcem ent endec weeks o f speculation and capped £ multi-ringed media circus in this age of social networking that spun ou of control. It also concluded a some­ what embarrassing courtship o f c player by cities, celebrities and fran chises who fawned over the 25 year-old who doesn't have a final: win on his resume. New York, Chicago, New Jersey Los Angeles and every other NBA spot came up short, finishing out o the money. So did Cleveland. As it always does. JUNIOR LEAGUE OREGON DIST. 1 CHAMPIONS Softball Champions go to State Peninsula-Lakeside’s All-star Junior Little League Softball team poses for a team photo after capturing the District One championship for 13-14 year-old girls. The team advances to the state championships with play beginning Friday in Milton-Freewater. photo by Congratulations Peninsula! Peninsula Little League Softball all-star girls, ages 9-11, finished a great season where they made it to d istrict’s championship game before falling short in a 12-6 contest to the Holly­ w ood/ Lakeside/ Rose City all-stars on July 7 in Scappoose. il l a m e t t e Women’s Hoops Tourney C o m m u n it y ...... C o n n e c t o r s TR l © M E T Project Name: Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Project East Segment RFP No. RH 110162JB Willamette Community Connectors is a joint venture (Granite-Hamilton-RailWorks). We are an equal opportunity employer and request qualifications from all interested firms, including DMWESBs. We are seeking qualified DBE’s interested in this project upon award This is not a hard bid proposal We are seeking firms who would be interested in working with us upon award. Please attend one of our upcoming events to learn more regarding scopes and have an opportunity to meet with our team. Please join us at one of our “Meet the Project Team” Events Friday, July 9th Thursday, July 15th O AM E - Amelia Conference Room 4 134 N. Vancouver Ave. Portland. OR 97217 9:30 to 11:30 am WCC Office 4105 SE International Way, Ste 503 Milwaukie, OR 97222 3:00 to 5:30 pm H A M IL T O N construction COIOTftNT SS railworks ; There will be brackets for the true com petitors as well as one for those who are looking for a day o f fun. Team spots are lim ited. The Human Rights C am paign’s objective for this event is to raise co m m u n ity aw aren ess, u n d e r­ standing and visibility about the need for lesbian, gay, bisexual and tra n s g e n d e r b a sic rig h ts and equality and support wom en in sports! To register for the tournam ent, visit hrc.org/pdxbaskeball. S • 11 h Q n A 1 r 1 i U h C A Attn-. 503-288-0033 U Subscriptions, The (please include check) Willamette Community Connectors Team W CC Joint-Venture Managing Partner The Human Rights C am paign’s second annual w om en’s 3x3 bas­ ketball tournament takes place Sat­ urday, July 24 at Irving Park. Nike is the presenting sponsor along with m any other local businesses. The tournam ent is open to all women, from league cham pions, gym rat, college hoopster, short, tall, young, old - even if you haven't played in years. Y o u ’re invited to dust o ff those sneakers and com e support the HRC and women in basketball. JUSt $o() p er year Suzanne Donaldson, DBE Consultant 360-280-2321 suzanne@donaldson-enterprises.com G R nniT E K en R umbaugh Portland Observer, PO Box 3137, Portland OR 97208. N ame : ___________ T elephone : A ddress : _ or em ail sübscriptions^porltandob&YVêr^oiiï | **