At 7 feet, 7 inches, Manute Bol was one of two tallest basketball players in NBA history.   Born in Sudan, Manute was drafted to become an NBA player in 1985 and played for ten years with four different teams: Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. 

While he was knownfor his height and his reputation as an NBA star, he was first and foremost an activitist and a humanitarian who wanted to improve life in Sudan.  He often traveled back to Sudan to promote peace and goodwill, support friends and family, and also build schools for children to improve their lives through education. 

In 2002, Bol created the Ring True Foundation to help Sudanese refugees and in 2004, he became an active member of Sudan Sunrise, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping “facilitate reconciliation and solidarity between Southern Sudanese Christians, Darfurian Muslims and all Sudanese.”

Bol passed away suddenly this past Saturday after being treated for a kidney disease and a severe skin condition known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome since May.  Bol was only 47-years-old, but he left a legacy that will continue to inspire dialogue and relief efforts in Sudan.

Read more about Manute Bol:

• Sudan Sunrise: In Memoriam – Manute Bol
• Sports.Yahoo.com: Manute Bol, NBA Player-Humanitarian, Dies at 47

Photo: Provided by M. Sliwa Public Relations