Manute Bol - A giant Amoung Men and Hero

Meet Manute Bol

Manute Bol stood a lot taller than the average man, he was 7' 7" tall. He was one of two tallest players in the NBA and he was the first African-born player to be drafted into the NBA. His professional basketball career began in 1985 with the Washington Bullets and ended in 1994 playing for the Miami Heat. But this story isn't about a nine year career in pro-basketball.

This a story about a man born October 16, 1962 in Sudan that never forgot where he came from. During his basketball playing years he supported many causes that related to his war-ravaged birth nation. He frequently visited Sudanese refugee camps and was treated like royalty. In 2001 he was offered the post of minister of sport by the Sudanese government, but Bol who was a Christian, refused because a pre-condition to taking the job was that he convert to Islam.

Later he was denied the right to exit the country by the Sudanese government, who accused him of supporting the Dinka-led Christian rebels, the  Sudan People's Liberation Army. After a six-month negotiations with U.S. consulate officials, Bol and his family were finally able to return to the United States.

Back in the United States Bol continued his fund-raising efforts for the Sudanese refugees, giving most of his earnings, an estimated $3.5 to their cause. And he continued to help Sudanese athletes that fought through slavery to come to the U.S. His Sudan Freedom Walk was organized to bring attention to slavery and human rights abuses in the Sudan and to help end the genocide in Darfur.

The Manute Bol School Project in Turalei, Sudan has been started and funds are being raised that will move the classroom from under a tree in Turalei to classrooms with walls and a roof. The school will also welcome children from the Darfur region of Southern Sudan.

There now is hope for the children of the Southern Sudan, where for over two generations they have had no education due to war and genocide, 85 percent of the population is illiterate. But now with the help of their hero they have hope and they will have education.

The Manute Bol School Project in the Sudan

 Manute Bol

October 16, 1962 - June 19, 2010

Manute Bol died of acute kidney failure and complications from Stevens-Johnson syndrome on June 19, 2010,  at age 47, his funeral services were held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. many dignitaries were on hand to say good-bye to this giant of a man that grew to hero status. 

Dr. Akec K.A. Khoc, Ambassador of Sudan to the U.S. said that "Manute had a very great heart for his country and people. He did everything to support anybody in need of shoes, blankets, health service, food, and people who were struggling."

Manute was sick when he made his last trip to Sudan, staying probably longer than he should have. Reverend Canon Tom Pritchard, said "There was no question Manute gave his life for his country."

A larger than life person in more ways than one, who did much with the very few years he was given on this earth. Man - Giant - Hero all wrapped up in a very warm smile. His remains were buried in Sudan.