In 2004[1], Luol Deng started his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls. After 14 years, Luol retired his jersey (which now belonged to the Minnesota Timberwolves) to focus his efforts on his charity foundation full-time.
When he was young, Luol and his family were forced to flee what is now known as South Sudan during their civil war. That’s where Luol met former NBA player and humanitarian activist Manute Bol.
Instagram[2]
Manute taught Luol how to play basketball, which gave him the opportunity to play at Duke University and eventually earned him his spot in the NBA.
Manute taught Luol more than just basketball, though. He showed him what it looked like to give back and help others after being blessed with a good career and fortune.
Instagram[3]
In 2005[4], only one year into his NBA career, Luol started the Luol Deng Foundation which, in part, helps youth in South Sudan. It works with the UN refugee agency and NBA Africa to build basketball courts in the community – one of which Luol named after his mentor, Manute Bol, who passed away in 2010.
Many of the kids who have taken advantage of the basketball program and courts have gone on to earn scholarships to schools in Europe and the US.
Voa News[5]
Luol’s foundation goes far beyond basketball, though. He addresses many of the problems the country faces head-on by sending over doctors every year who perform surgeries and provide other medical services to people all over the country, who otherwise would not have access to healthcare.
He has also worked with UNICEF to raise millions of dollars for the country and build hospitals, schools, water stations, and more.
Star Tribune[6]
Moving forward, Luol plans to open a basketball academy in South Sudan to give kids even more guidance and training in the sport. He also wants to ensure more girls have the opportunity to participate in the programs and even create some aimed just for them.
Despite having left the country nearly 20 years ago, Luol’s dedication to help the place he once called home is inspiring. He is a true representation of what it means to pay it forward after a blessing.
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References
Newer articles:
- South Sudan - Lankien - Status of waterpoints - December 2019 - 02/01/2020 12:20
- Troika Statement at the 50-Day Mark: A Progress Review of the Formation of South Sudan’s Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity - 02/01/2020 07:42
- Hope Against Hope For South Sudan In 2020 - 02/01/2020 07:37
- ICRC facilitates release of 23 people held by rebel group in South Sudan - 02/01/2020 06:55
- Juba peace talks: Progress on northern Sudan track - 01/01/2020 04:02
Older news items
- Sudan sentences 27 intelligence agents to death for killing protester - 30/12/2019 06:42
- South Sudan refugees lack water and food at El Liri camp - 30/12/2019 02:50
- South Sudan, Daily Labor Wage Rate (December 2019) - 30/12/2019 01:07
- Sudan passes 2020 budget with anticipated deficit of $1.62 bln - 29/12/2019 22:46
- South Sudan: Food Security Outlook December 2019 - 29/12/2019 16:23
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