Dikembe Mutombo Named NBA Global Ambassador

“I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference.” Dikembe Mutombo

Smart move on behalf of the NBA this week as Commissioner David Stern named Dikembe Mutombo the NBA’s Global Ambassador…the big guy recently retired after 18 seasons, and in efforts to hang-on to the best thing to happen to the NBA since I came along, the league created this position for Dikembe, essentially unleashing his unlimited potential.

Check out this beautiful promo of Dikembe opening his hospital from Unicef…seems criminal to me that its only been viewed about 1500 times on Youtube and not 150,000.

In his new role as Global Ambassador, Mutombo will work on numerous international events and programs, including Basketball without Borders: “Dikembe’s extraordinary accomplishments on the court and in the community demonstrate why he is one of sports’ outstanding humanitarians,” Stern said. “His commitment to using the values of our game to improve the lives of so many is an example of the special role we have in being leaders in social responsibility. We know the impact programs such as NBA Cares and Basketball without Borders have in being catalysts for change on a global scale, and Dikembe’s continued contributions will be invaluable in our global efforts to bring attention to important social issues.”

Additionally, Dikembe will work closely on NBA Cares outreach efforts with Hall of Famer Bob Lanier who serves as Special Assistant to the Commissioner. “I am looking forward to working closely with Dikembe as he enters this next phase of his brilliant career. I have seen first hand the impact and inspiration he provides,” said Lanier. “His passion for improving the lives of people in Africa and elsewhere is a great example of how NBA players understand their obligations to the global community.”

In case you’ve been out of the loop, Dikembe’s resume includes opening a hospital and research center in his native Democratic Republic of Congo; he received the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award, was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame…and is the only 2-time winner of the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award given for outstanding service and dedication to the community.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda@athlebrities.com