NBA superstar and Illinois native Dwyane Wade is in town this weekend hosting a string of charity events organized by his Wade’s World Foundation while he deflects speculation that he may be leaving Miami to suit up for the Bulls or any number of hot young teams next season. He also took a few minutes to walk Windy Citizen through how he’d spend a perfect day in Chicago where he recently bought a home, a day that would consist of a lot of basketball and quiet time capped off by a steak dinner and fairly low-key night out. No tourist traps for D. Wade, born and raised in Robbins, Ill.
D. Wade’s ultimate Chicago day
Morning workout: “I’d get up, eat breakfast, and get in a workout. I like to go for about 4 hours in the gym, in the weight room, playing a little basketball. I’d work out with Tim Grovers at Attack Athletics.”
Lunch: “I don’t really have a favorite spot. I’d probably eat at Attack Athletics or get something at Subway.”
Afternoon recharge: “I’d take a nap. I’ll take a 2-hour nap if I have nothing going on to get up my energy. Then I’d spend some time with my kids.”
Steak Dinner: “Gibson’s [Steak House] is a favorite of anybody in town.”
Night Out at Crimson Lounge: “I like a lounge area kind of vibe. Crimson Lounge would be perfect for going out.
Wade offered a quick “No comment” when asked about his basketball plans, mentioning that he’s been asked that about twice a day this week but has no intention of clearing up the rumors about where he’ll be playing this year.
“Speculation is good. Gotta keep ‘em on their toes,” he said.
Wade’s schedule has kept him busy in Chicago this week. Thursday he presented a $25,000 check to the public library in his home town of Robbins, a library that announced just months ago it would have to close if it didn’t receive a boost of at least $23,000. An appeal to President Obama went unanswered, but reached Wade who decided to chip in.
Today he’s visiting his old school, Forest Park’s Betsy Ross Elementary School to talk to the kids there and tonight he’ll host a red-carpet bowling party at 10 Pin bowling lounge on North State Street.
As Wade’s people tell me, these events are all lead-ups to a Saturday talent show for local youth called “D. Wade Chicago Has Talent” hosted by comedian Gary Owen. Wade says he hopes “the community comes out and supports them” and explains why he’s so big on spending time connecting with kids in Chicago though he’s played for the Miami Heat since first entering the NBA in 2003.
“This is where I’m from, this is my birthplace, the place where I go and where I always have my heart,” he says. “I know the struggle of these young kids. I feel it in my heart.”
Event details:
D. Wade Chicago Has Talent
Saturday September 12 2009 at 7:30 PM
Harris Theater
For tickets call 312-334-7777 or click here.
More information at wadesworldfoundation.org
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BradFlora
Brad Flora is founder of WindyCitizen.com, a web service that lets people share their favorite Chicago news and events with their friends and neighbors. More
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