Breaking News
Login
Pan African Visions

LA Lakers’ star Wenyen Gabriel brings South Sudan the ‘Inside Stuff’ + Humanitarian Stuff

July 30, 2022

-UNHCR gets to ‘Speak Up for Refugees and Displaced People Everywhere’ By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa I want people to know about South Sudan. I always wanted to go back, and I am happy I’vemade it here.”These are the words of LA Lakers’ Power Forward and former refugee Wenyen Gabriel, who this week is in South Sudan visiting his homeland for the first time since being resettled to the US at a young age.During his visit with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Gabriel met with families and individuals displaced due to floods and by conflict in the region.Gabriel was born in Sudan’s capital Khartoum in 1997 after his parents fled the civil war in the south.The NBA player commented, “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 began playing basketball at a young age and currently plays for the LA Lakers, which is one of the most successful teams in the history of the NBA.Now 25 years of age, Wenyen is keen to support the work of UNHCR and harness the power of sport to help those forced to flee to build a better future.He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, after being a 5-star prospect in 2016, ranked as high as #14 on ESPN's Top 100. Gabriel has also played in the NBA for the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers.Gabriel stated: “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.”Arafat Jamal, UNHCR’s Representative welcoming Gabriel in South Sudan, has this to say, “We’re honored to have such a dedicated, energetic and compassionate athlete with us. I am moved by his passion for giving back to his home country, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to build hope and opportunity for South Sudanese youth.”As previously revealed, South Sudan’s refugee crisis is the largest in Africa and it is also one of UNHCR’s most underfunded crises in the world, even though the needs are high, experts confirm.And that millions are also internally displaced due to conflict and insecurity, as well as flooding and drought driven by climate change.Wenyen Gabriel started supporting UNHCR in 2020, including by amplifying key campaigns as well as by marking South Sudan’s Independence Day as a moment to gather attention for the humanitariansituation in the country.Gabriel continued, “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 andpeople displaced within South Sudan, through the unifying power of sports and especially basketball.”

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pan African Visions
Ghana:Vice President Bawumia Commissions Ultra-Modern Educational Facility At Tunga Zongo
July 30, 2022 Prev
Pan African Visions
Malawi To Face Half A Day Blackout
July 30, 2022 Next