With heavy hearts, the Particular Olympics international group is remembering the empowering legacy of Dikembe Mutombo, our longtime supporter and champion of rights for folks with mental disabilities. A basketball hall-of-famer and eight-time NBA all-star, Mutombo grew to become a Particular Olympics International Ambassador in 2012 following his participation in Unified Sports activities occasions on the Particular Olympics World Summer season Video games in Athens, Greece the earlier yr. His work with the athletes and motion led to his appointment as a Particular Olympics Board Member from 2013 to 2022.
Mutombo’s impression on the #InclusionRevolution was profound. In 2017, he established the first-ever Particular Olympics program in his native Democratic Republic of Congo and continued to help them by way of the years. As an enormous believer within the energy of sport to construct bridges of understanding, he was an early and devoted supporter of Unified Sports activities®, which deliver collectively folks with and with out mental disabilities on the identical groups.
“Dikembe traveled the world for our motion, and whether or not in Japan, China, South Africa, or the USA, he introduced a pleasure for all times, a love of sport, and a profound perception within the greatness of Particular Olympics athletes. He was greater than a Corridor of Fame basketball participant — he was a Corridor of Fame humanitarian. Our prayers are with Rose, his youngsters, and all who beloved him.”
Particular Olympics Board Chair Timothy Shriver, Ph.D.
Over time, Dikembe Mutombo participated in Unified Sports activities occasions all world wide—from Europe to Africa, from Asia to North America. He didn’t play as a Unified teammate solely in Unified basketball video games but additionally joined groups in ground hockey, floorball, handball and bowling. He at all times took additional time to fulfill with Particular Olympics athletes, who have been excited to see their hero in particular person.
“Right now, we misplaced a real large. Dikembe Mutombo was greater than a outstanding basketball participant; he was a strong advocate for inclusion. His work as a worldwide ambassador and founding member of Particular Olympics within the Democratic Republic of the Congo has left an indelible mark on numerous lives. We’re perpetually grateful for his dedication and impression. His work and spirit will proceed to encourage future generations. Considering of his household, Rose and his youngsters at this unhappy time.”
Mary Davis, Particular Olympics CEO
Mutombo’s humanitarian efforts are too many to depend and have been felt past sports activities. In 2007, his basis began the Biamba Marie Mutomobo Hospital in Kinshasa, town of his start. He served on the first Youth Emissary for the United Nations Improvement Program (UNDP), labored tirelessly to develop the Basketball Africa League, and was growing plans to open a college in Congo.
Dikembe Mutombo might be remembered as a real champion of inclusion.
