Postby WildcatOne » Thu Mar 27, 2008 10:16 pm
Last night at halftime they had a special ceremony honoring Dikembe Mutombo for his awesome humanitarian contributions not only to the Republic of Congo, where he's from, but for his worldwide charitable efforts. David Stern, the NBA commissioner, gave a moving speech about Deke's 16-year career, the example he set for the rest of the league's players, and his tireless work ethic. He said it's guys like Deke that make his job something he can be proud of. The ceremony, hosted by Bill Worrell, Rockets' TV announcer, was beautiful. Rockets owner Leslie Alexander spoke and said he prays that his children will grow up to be a Dikembe. They presented Deke with a plaque recognizing him as a Houstonian and a great citizen...then they presented him with a check from Leslie Alexander for $500,000 for the hospital he built in the Congo. The standing-room only crowd gave him a long, loud ovation that rocked the rafters after he spoke...he thanked God, his family, and the NBA for giving him 16 years of injury-free basketball...he's 41, he'll be 42 in June. I personally can't think of a more deserving nominee for the Nobel Prize. What a terrific man he is...that was an uplifting moment, for sure. Hats off to Deke...win or lose, he's a champion. Cheers, WC1
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