Former tallest-man-in-the-NBA and world-class humanitarian Manute Bol was involved in a terrible car wreck a few weeks ago. The Philly Inquirer reports that he is going to pull through.
Charles Barkley extends some richly deserved praise and good wishes to his old teammate:
"What I have admired most is the work he has done for the Sudanese people, for spending so much time and sending a majority of his money to them," Barkley said. "Right now, I'm just hoping for the best for one of the best people you will ever meet."
I am on a volunteer team helping Sudanese refugees here in DC and Manute was generous enough to come to a benefit we organized back in April. At the event, he told his story of leaving the NBA and returning to Sudan to build a hospital and try to broker a peace conference to find an end to that country
Thanks for the update. Manute was one of my favorite three point shooting, over 7 foot players.
His story about being held in Sudan while trying to distribute aid was a scary one. And then he was in refugee limbo post 9-11.
I still can not get the “cruise with Manute” skit from Saturday Night Live out of my head when I think about him.
It is small, but here is a thumbnail photo of Manute’s short hockey career.
http://sharkspage.com/manutebolonthebench2.jpg
Manute is obviously an inspiration to the young men from Sudan! How can we find out more about supporting the Lost Boys of Sudan? Are they settled around the US? Doesn’t Manute have a foundation?
Thanks for highlighting Manute on offwing!
Thanks to Jim McCarthy, one of the most astute observers of the passing scene in journalism today, for keeping us informed about good Manute Bol and the lost boys of the Sudan.
Much praise to Jim McCarthy for making sure that the Lost Boys have not become a lost cause. If only more of the pseudo-savants of the establishment media, now congregating in Boston to gorge on free food and booze supplied by the Democrats and their lobbyist pals, were paying attention to the Lost Boys.
How can those of us who are already bored by the theatrics of the Democratic Convention help the Lost Boys? Specifics, please.
Greetings. I am from the City of Phoenix, AZ, and we are hosting the first ever National Lost Boys & Girls Conference here in Phoenix. I came across your site while looking for information on Mr. Bol, who was scheduled to be a featured speaker at our conference. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family for a speedy recovery.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! For this conference. We really need to get the word out to all Lost Boys & Girls about their conference. The conference itself is free, but participants need to pay for travel and hotel, although we have arranged a very discounted rate.
The event is from Aug 26-29th. There is not much time, but with your help, we can spread the word.
One area we desperately need help with is in sponsorship. The costs to put on this event are very high, and we currently do not have the funds to pay for lunches or other related items for the Lost Boys & Girls. We are seeking corporate and personal contributions. Individuals can sponsor a Lost Boy or Girl to attend the event.
I am very interested in talking to anyone who works with Lost Boys & Girls throughout the country, please contact me at my email listing so I may provide you with more information. This conference is designed to reunite the Lost Boys & Girls who heroically survived their ordeal. The event is also going to unveil a national web site for participants to keep in touch with each other.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Thank you!!
Anthony
Manute’s cousin was my room mate in the Marine Corps. I only knew him by Bol or Lance Corporal Bol but he looked just like Manute. He was a terrific person too.
I read the article about his injuries in SI and how he is pennyless after donating all of his riches to the people of Sudan. I hope some big name NBA players come through to help out with his medical expenses.