Heat’s Wade selected as SI Sportsman of the Year

Wade led the Heat to the NBA championship last June and was selected as the Finals MVP for his performance against the Dallas Mavericks.

In addition to his budding superstardom in the NBA, Wade’s non-profit foundation promotes social enrichment, education and physical fitness among youth, and assists young people in reaching their educational and athletic goals through mentoring.

"This award has always stood for more than the victory alone," said Sports Illustrated Group Editor Terry McDonell in a release. "It recognizes the manner of an athlete’s striving and the quality of his or her efforts. Dwyane embodies that winning spirit by playing for his team, not himself, and by working in the community to ensure young people have the chance to realize their own dreams."

Wade’s selection marks the fifth time the annual honor has been awarded to an NBA player, following Bill Russell (1968), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1985), Michael Jordan (1991) and Tim Duncan and David Robinson (2003).

NBA player Rory Sparrow was also named as one of eight Athletes Who Care in 1987.

The last Miami-area recipient of the award was former Dolphins head coach Don Shula (1993).