Akbar gave some deserving kids a very merry holiday morning

The American Ninja Warrior community has been hard at work this holiday season. From driving awareness of their favorite charities, visiting Children’s Hospital LA, and organizing toy drives, the athletes have spent every day giving back. Now we have another incredible example from one of the show’s hosts.

On December 16, Akbar Gbajabiamila planned a very special surprise for some deserving kids in Los Angeles. He gave 25 fourth and fifth graders from Tom Bradley Global Awareness Magnet School one heck of a memorable holiday experience!

Each child was given a present and a $50 gift card to spend at the Baldwin Hills Mall. Akbar then chartered a bus and took them all to lunch at Michelle’s Diner to refuel after shopping.

This was a personal project for Akbar. He’s a native of Crenshaw and a former student of Tom Bradley Elementary School.

“I was so excited to give back to the community that I came from. I remember Christmases where we just weren’t sure if presents were going to happen, so this was really special for me,” Akbar commented.

“The holidays can be really hard for our kids,” Principal Bell remarked. “It meant so much to our Bradley Scholars to spend time with Akbar, an alumni of our school who not only is taking time out of his busy schedule but also organized such a memorable experience for our kids.”

And how did the kids feel about the adventure? We think these beaming faces say it all.

Akbar Gbajabiamila/Instagram

Akbar Gbajabiamila/Instagram

Akbar Gbajabiamila/Instagram