In 1999, when Luol Deng Joined Blair Academy, he had no shoes to play basketball, Royal Ivey offered him basketball sneakers and they both start training together. When Luol holiday comes and Luol couldn’t afford to fly back home, Royal Ivey would let Luol stay with him. Both became successful in Basketball with great fortunes and they both retires.
In 2019, Luol was appointed the SSBF president. When a call of duty knocked at Luol’s door. He remembered Royal Ivey not only as a friend but someone who he trust could walk the challenging step with him. They both brought in their High school Coach who mentored them to assist them in the work they were doing.
Being people with common goal and interest, they helped build south Sudan basketball team from the scratch. Through their teamwork, they helped the team catapult to world arena in Afrobasketball, FIBA World Cup and now going for Sunmer Olympic Games in Paris next year. This couldn’t have been achievable without the trios.
Takeaway from Luol & Royal story….
How many people have helped their friends without expecting anything from them?
Nowadays friends see opportunities and because of their selfishness and seeing their friends as competitors, they refuse to call in friends to try their luck. Many people have connections but only wants to be the only terminal connected to that power source.
This world is full of uncertainties, tables may turn and a friend you look down today might definitely be the trailblazer tomorrow. Do not try to disconnect yourself when the ball is on your pitch today because it won’t stay their forever. A friend you helps build today can rekindle your candle when the wind blows it off. Learn to give back and it will come back to you unexpected in different form.
There is nothing as more special than friends winning together.
Story compiled by Mengistu Makuei Chol.
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