[ad_1]
With heavy hearts, the global Special Olympics community remembers the empowering legacy he left behind Dikembe Mutomboa long-time supporter and advocate for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. A basketball standout and eight-time NBA All-Star, Mutombo became a Special Olympics Global Ambassador in 2012 after participating in unified sports events at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece the previous year. His work with athletes and the movement led to his appointment as a member of the Special Olympics Board of Directors from 2013 to 2022.
Mutombo’s impact on #InclusionRevolution has been profound. In 2017, he created the first-ever Special Olympics program in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and has continued to support it over the years. A strong believer in the power of sports to build bridges of understanding, he was an early and loyal supporter of Unified Sports®, which brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams.
“Dikembe traveled the world for our movement, and whether in Japan, China, South Africa or the USA, he brought a joy of life, a love of sports, and a deep belief in the greatness of Special Olympics athletes. He was more than just a Hall of Fame basketball player – he was a humanitarian.” In the Hall of Fame. Our prayers are with Rose, his children and everyone who loved him.”
Special Olympics Board of Directors Chairman Timothy Shriver, Ph.D.
Over the years, Dikembe Mutombo has participated in unified sporting events all over the world – from Europe to Africa, and from Asia to North America. Not only did he play as a Unified teammate in Unified basketball games but he also joined teams in floor hockey, floorball, handball, and bowling. He always took extra time to meet with the Special Olympics athletes, who were excited to see their hero in person.
“Today we lost a true giant. Dikembe Mutombo was more than just a great basketball player. He was a strong advocate for inclusion. His work as a Global Ambassador and founding member of Special Olympics DRC has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless people. We are grateful For his dedication and influence. His work and spirit will continue to inspire generations to come. My thoughts are with his family, Rose and his children at this sad time.
Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics
Mutombo’s humanitarian efforts are too numerous to count, and have been felt beyond sports. In 2007, his foundation established the Byamba Marie Mutomombo Hospital in Kinshasa, the city where he was born. He served on the United Nations Development Programme’s first youth envoy, worked tirelessly to grow the African Basketball League, and was making plans to open a university in Congo.
Dikembe Mutombo will be remembered as a true champion of inclusion.
[ad_2]
