Serge Ibaka with kids in Congo for UNICEF project.
Image Courtesy: OKC Thunder

On the heels of OKC player Kevin Durant’s heartwarming M.V.P. speech to his mom (dare you not to cry) teammate Serge Ibaka has teamed up with UNICEF in joining their “Get Boys and Girls in the Game” project in renovating and expanding two Congo orphanages.

The power forward, who originally hails from Congo, has donated $315,000 to the UNICEF campaign and vows an additional $500 for every blocked shot he makes during NBA playoffs. Sure beats a drinking game…

Ibaka, a Kia Community Assist Award winner, also hosted a fundraiser for the project last month at a Thunder home game that included raffles, donations and auctions. He met with each raffle and auction winner and encouraged others to give to his hometown.

“UNICEF Gets Boys and Girls in the Game” is a two year campaign to reshape orphanages in Brazzaville and support other helpless children in the region.

The NBA and Kia have donated $10,000 to the UNICEF project on behalf of the NBA player.

To make a pledge please click here

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It’s gratifying that mainstream media has picked up the story on the missing school girls in Nigeria. I hope it will continue to be featured above newspaper folds and as the first story on evening broadcasts. Because as I write this, its been reported that 8 more girls have been kidnapped by the Nigerian Taliban. No girl has been rescued. Let’s pray the foreign assistance will make an impact to reunite these families. #BringBackOurGirls