FIBA Basketball
SUD - Bol walking tall for Sudan campaign
WASHINGTON (NBA) - Former NBA star Manute Bol is walking the 300 miles between New York and Washington to lend his support to a campaign promoting freedom in his homeland of Sudan.Bol has joined the Sudan Freedom Walk, a campaign initiated by former Sudanese slave Simon Deng. The walk aims to raise awareness of modern forms of slavery and oppression in the country
WASHINGTON (NBA) - Former NBA star Manute Bol is walking the 300 miles between New York and Washington to lend his support to a campaign promoting freedom in his homeland of Sudan.
Bol has joined the Sudan Freedom Walk, a campaign initiated by former Sudanese slave Simon Deng. The walk aims to raise awareness of modern forms of slavery and oppression in the country.
It takes an extra special effort from the 43-year-old, who can only walk with the aid of a cane after suffering serious neck injuries in a car accident in 2002. The marchers set out from Staten Island on March 5, and are due to reach Washingon on April 5 after stops in Newark, Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Bol, who at 7ft 7in became the tallest player to appear in the NBA when he was drafted by the San Diego Clippers in 1983, is known for his charity work, and has frequently visited Sudanese refugee camps. In 2001, his visits got him in trouble when he was held is custody by the Sudanese government for his support of the Sudanese People's Liberation Army. He was only released after the intervention of United States Senator Joseph Lieberman.
He has given much of his NBA earnings to Sudanese refugees via his Ring True Foundation. In a string of appearances to raise money for the cause, Bol has demonstrated his abilities in other sports, beating former NFL star William "The Refrigerator" Perry in a boxing match, as well as suiting up for an ice hockey game and enjoying a brief stint as a jockey.
Bol is also known for helping to develop current Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng, who trained at his basketball school in Egypt before moving to London. On the court, Bol's immense height gave him awesome blocking ability. In 1985-86, he set a rookie record by blocking 397 shots for the Washington Bullets, and he still holds the all-time NBA record for the most blocked shots per minute at .176.
He also played for the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. Notoriously, his agent used to mention one unusual accomplishment when negotiating his contracts. At 15, the Dinka herdsman killed a marauding lion with his spear as it lay sleeping. It's not clear if any of his clubs paid a premium for this particular talent.
By PA Sport, Exclusively for FIBA
Bol has joined the Sudan Freedom Walk, a campaign initiated by former Sudanese slave Simon Deng. The walk aims to raise awareness of modern forms of slavery and oppression in the country.
It takes an extra special effort from the 43-year-old, who can only walk with the aid of a cane after suffering serious neck injuries in a car accident in 2002. The marchers set out from Staten Island on March 5, and are due to reach Washingon on April 5 after stops in Newark, Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Bol, who at 7ft 7in became the tallest player to appear in the NBA when he was drafted by the San Diego Clippers in 1983, is known for his charity work, and has frequently visited Sudanese refugee camps. In 2001, his visits got him in trouble when he was held is custody by the Sudanese government for his support of the Sudanese People's Liberation Army. He was only released after the intervention of United States Senator Joseph Lieberman.
He has given much of his NBA earnings to Sudanese refugees via his Ring True Foundation. In a string of appearances to raise money for the cause, Bol has demonstrated his abilities in other sports, beating former NFL star William "The Refrigerator" Perry in a boxing match, as well as suiting up for an ice hockey game and enjoying a brief stint as a jockey.
Bol is also known for helping to develop current Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng, who trained at his basketball school in Egypt before moving to London. On the court, Bol's immense height gave him awesome blocking ability. In 1985-86, he set a rookie record by blocking 397 shots for the Washington Bullets, and he still holds the all-time NBA record for the most blocked shots per minute at .176.
He also played for the Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. Notoriously, his agent used to mention one unusual accomplishment when negotiating his contracts. At 15, the Dinka herdsman killed a marauding lion with his spear as it lay sleeping. It's not clear if any of his clubs paid a premium for this particular talent.
By PA Sport, Exclusively for FIBA