Dikembe Mutombo, left, acknowledges applause at the U.S. Capitol. Mutombo was honored during Bush's speech as an example of "heroic kindness, courage and self-sacrifice." MARK WILSON: GETTY IMAGES
Posted on 01/24/2007 10:18:10 AM PST by presidio9
Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo, seated next to first lady Laura Bush and proudly flashing his familiar broad smile, was honored by President George Bush Tuesday at the State of the Union Address in Washington.
Mutombo, working almost daily, raised $29 million (donating $15 million himself) for the construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mutombo plans to open the hospital — Kinshasa's first new one in 40 years — this summer. It is named for his mother, who died nine years ago when civil unrest and a curfew prevented her from getting to a hospital.
Mutombo was honored during Bush's speech as an example of "heroic kindness, courage and self-sacrifice."
"When America serves others," Bush said, "we show the strength and generosity of our country.
"The greatest strength we have is the heroic kindness, courage and self-sacrifice of the American people. You see this spirit often if you know where to look — and tonight we need only look above to the gallery.
"Dikembe Mutombo grew up in Africa, amid great poverty and disease. He came to Georgetown University on a scholarship to study medicine, but coach John Thompson took a look at Dikembe and had a different idea. Dikembe became a star in the NBA and a citizen of the United States. But he never forgot the land of his birth — or the duty to share his blessings with others. He built a brand-new hospital in his old hometown.
"A friend has said of this good-hearted man: 'Mutombo believes that God has given him this opportunity to do great things.' And we're proud to call this son of the Congo a citizen of the United States of America."
Said Mutombo in a phone interview afterward: "My heart was full of joy. I didn't know the president was going to say such great remarks. He raised me so high. I'm so happy. I'm so proud to be a citzen of the United States of America and to be recognized for my work. God is good to have put this work in my heart."
Dikembe Mutombo, left, acknowledges applause at the U.S. Capitol. Mutombo was honored during Bush's speech as an example of "heroic kindness, courage and self-sacrifice." MARK WILSON: GETTY IMAGES
Oprah is probably very upset she didn't get a mention about her school in Africa.
Too bad.
Can American-African-Americans learn a lesson or two from this guy ?
That was a great moment last night!
rich folks from New Orleans could learn something from him.
Ever meet real African people? They are a joy to be around.
Did you have any forewarning of it? I had no idea that it was going to happen, and was very moved by it.
I really love that beautiful little lady, but she has a very funny way of applauding.
;-)
Great story. Immigrants (especially those who come in legally) are the ones who appreciate what this country is all about, moreso than most of us who are fortunate enough to be born here.
The man speaks NINE languages and has two degrees from Georgetown, but he will be always remembered for using the world's greatest pickup line, "Who wants to sex Mutombo?"
(jmo)
What an uplifting story. I had no idea. I am thrilled to see that there are actually some non-thug basketball players out there lately. My husband and I have all but given up on the sport these days.
I can't tell you how happy I am to see such a giving and unselfcentered athlete.
I taught at Georgetown while Dikembe was a student there (he was never in any of my classes) and his presence was unmistakeable. All over the campus, you could hear his fog-horn like laugh. Just remembering it right now makes me smile.
Yes, it was!
There are some truly wonderful black people out there!
It's so unfortunate we have to only see them for their color and not their actions. It should be just as normal to see a black man do something impressive and honrable as this. HE is a good role model for ALL skin colors. How I wish that could be a reality.
Why criticize Oprah on a thread like this? Come to think of it, why criticize Oprah at all? She's done incredibly generous things with her wealth and stature. I, frankly, don't get the anger.
These type of athletes, like Dikembe Mutombo need more press, not the Dennis Rodmans or the Barry Bonds or the Terrell Owens prima donna types.
He's a great guy.
I'd like to see the law changed and allow a guy like this to become our President, if some day he continues to deserve something of the sort.
Definitely! And the NYC subway hero (giving multiple 'thumbs up' gestures to GWB)... the sargeant who earned the Silver Star... Wow!
I've been pretty down in the dumps lately about politics, GWB's current effectiveness, and the way this country is heading. Dubya's SOTU speech (which I watched TWICE) really has lifted me up... I've been beaming since last night! :o)
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