NBA star Wenyen Gabriel returns to homeland South Sudan for UN visit

(djournal.com)

Wenyen Gabriel has paid a visit to his homeland South Sudan.

The LA Lakers star returned to the nation during a visit with UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency – and met with families and individuals displaced due to both floods and conflict in the region.

Gabriel was born in Sudan's capital Khartoum in 1997 after his parents fled the civil war in the south before being resettled to the US at a young age.

The NBA star said: “I am here in South Sudan for the first time since my family fled the country. We were resettled to the US as refugees with the support of UNHCR. My experience makes me want to speak up for refugees and displaced people everywhere and help make a difference.”

Wenyen plays for one of the most successful teams in basketball and is determined to use the power of the sport to help those forced to flee to have a better future.

Gabriel said: “I want people to know about South Sudan. I always wanted to go back, and I am happy I’ve made it here. I’ve organized a basketball camp this week for children, including 21 displaced children. I visited camps with UNHCR, seeing with my own eyes the importance of helping people who’ve been forced to flee their homes, though there is a major shortage of funds for life-saving assistance. The world shouldn’t forget about South Sudan.”

Gabriel added: “South Sudan is a young country but it’s one with much potential. Many South Sudanese in the diaspora have been successful. We have world-famous models, athletes and entrepreneurs. I want to contribute my part and help my people, including refugees and people displaced within South Sudan, through the unifying power of sports and especially basketball.”