Deng plays Santa from Sudan

Deng plays Santa from Sudan





Chicago Daily Herald
By Mike McGraw
December 25, 2004

When the Bulls played last week in Memphis, Tenn.(USA), Luol Deng was handed a note asking him to meet 10 Sudanese "Lost Boys" who attended the game.

This is a common occurrence. Deng was born in Sudan, though his family left when he was 4 years old. He's a member of the Dinka tribe.

The United States is full of orphans, refugees and immigrants from the war-torn African nation. Hundreds of Sudanese orphans were allowed into the U.S. during the past decade and have been dubbed the "Lost Boys." An acclaimed documentary titled "Lost Boys of Sudan" was released last year.

Because of his background, Deng is a role model for many former residents of Sudan. The Bulls rookie doesn't shy away from the responsibility.

On Thursday, Deng took a group of Sudanese orphans, plus some kids from the Martin Luther King Boys and Girls Club in Chicago, on a holiday shopping spree at a Best Buy in Downers Grove.

"It's not something I have to do; it's something I want to do," Deng said. "I just feel like if I have the time or if I can help somewhat, I should do it.

"It's not just 'Lost Boys.' A lot of places we go, I just see a lot of support. People are excited that I'm in the situation I'm in, and they just want to show me that excitement. That's all."

Deng bought $100 gift certificates for each of the 22 children on the trip. They also received gifts from Best Buy and the Bulls. Before going shopping, the kids were treated to lunch and a movie.

Inside the store, most of the kids followed Deng up and down the aisles. They reviewed video games and browsed through the music section as a couple of girls picked out portable CD players.

Deng reports that Santa Claus does exist in Sudan, and many of the refugees are Christians who celebrate Christmas. Once he gets through his first NBA season, Deng plans to start a foundation that will be geared toward helping young people from Chicago and throughout the world.

The Bulls have been busy during the holiday season.

Tyson Chandler took kids on a similar shopping spree to Marshall's and Toys "R" Us on Sunday. Ben Gordon hosted a toy drive last week at the Bella Lounge in Chicago. Other players have visited patients at Rush University Medical Center and served dinner at the Pacific Garden Mission homeless shelter.

لمسة جميلة من دينج..

God Bless Him