BRAZZAVILLE, Congo – When it comes to stars, they don’t shine any brighter than this hometown hero!
Oklahoma City Thunder star, Serge Ibaka is inspiring the next generation of basketball players.
Serge returns to his home often, the slums where he grew up, the courts where he learned to play the game.
He is like the Pied Piper of Africa.
UNICEF Senior Director, Matt Meyersohn said, “Everyone in this country knows Serge. Anywhere he goes, they are there. There are people running after his car.”
Partnering with Pros For Africa, Serge Ibaka is creating meaningful change here.
Pros For Africa founder, Bill Horn said, “That’s his heart. His heart is, when he’s there, he’s always looking at how can I bless others. How can I be a blessing? Becasue I have been so blesses.”
This humble giant donated nearly a half million dollars of his own money to build a neighborhood recreation area.
We were there last summer, when the playground was dedicated, complete with basketball court, uniforms and equipment.
Their enthusiasm could hardly be contained, pouring through the gates like Niagra Falls after a heavy rain.
Ibaka told us, “We opened the gates they just ran inside. They were so excited, something new. It’s a good feeling.”
They are so thankful to the man who made a promise to return, and kept it.
Ibaka said, “I grew up like most of those people, those kids, like in the streets too.”
This is more than a recreation area.
It’s a window of hope for the impoverished children of Brazzaville.
Ibaka said, “Dreams are free. And when you dream, go get it. Because everything is possible.”
