Deng’s role as Patron will involve helping to promote the Games to the Capital’s youngsters and encouraging them to fulfil their sporting potential, both on and off the pitch. Subject to his basketball commitments, Deng will be at the LYG finals and will also lead a training session with the winners of the Games’ basketball competition which takes place on 4th July.
A former competitor at the Games in mid 1990s, Deng will be back in England to play for the Bulls when they face the Utah Jazz as part of NBA Europe Live, presented by EA Sports on October 6 at The O2.
Commenting on his role as Patron, Deng said: “This is an event very close to my heart. I really enjoyed playing in it as a kid and competing against friends from other boroughs. It’s a real pleasure to be asked to be Patron and I hope that by giving something back I can help inspire the next generation of British athletes.”
“We are proud to partner with an event that has such a rich tradition as the London Youth Games,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, Managing Director, NBA Europe. “Along with Luol, we all share the goal of creating new and unique opportunities to compete, while growing the game of basketball.”
Russell Findlay, Chief Executive of the London Youth Games, said: “It’s fantastic that Luol has agreed to be our Patron for 2009; it’s even more special as he’s a former competitor who has gone on to achieve so much in such a short period of time. This year will see our 500,000 competitor take part in the Games and I’m sure Luol’s presence will continue to inspire London’s youngsters to get involved”

http://www.dengcamp.com/site/

The Mayor showed his b-ball skills at the launch of the London Youth Games, with the help of a Croydon basketball star.

Boris Johnson appeared alongside former Great Britain youth games competitor and Croydon star Arek Deng.
Deron Williams of Utah Jazz and Pops Mensah-Bonsu, a former competitor at the Games and now playing for the Toronto Raptors, came later to lend their support to the Games.

Mayor Johnson said: “With the 2012 Games on the horizon I’m delighted to help launch the London Youth Games.

“The event provides brilliant opportunities for talented athletes and encourages all young Londoners to get more involved in sport.

“I learnt a few tips on shooting hoops today and I want to wish the best of luck to all the young people involved.”

But it was not the best of starts to the Games for Croydon as its basketball team was knocked out by Lambeth in the qualifiers.

The qualifiers were held on May 31 at the Score Centre in Leyton.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/deng_090618.html

U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees will keynote 10th Annual Midwest Light of Human Rights Awards on Friday, June 19, 2009

CHICAGO – June 18, 2009 – Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center is pleased to announce Luol Deng as an honoree for the 10th Annual Midwest Light of Human Rights Awards. The Bulls forward will be honored with the Jeanne and Joseph Sullivan Award for his dedication to human rights through the Luol Deng Foundation. As a child, Deng and his family fled Sudan, seeking refuge in the United Kingdom. Over the years, he has raised awareness of the challenges facing thousands of former refugees attempting to resettle in their homeland and has worked to improve the conditions and lives of refugees.

The event’s keynote speech will be delivered by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres. The 10th Annual Midwest Light of Human Rights Awards is scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2009, from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. at The Fairmont Chicago Hotel, 200 North Columbus Drive.

“This year’s Midwest Light of Human Rights Awards honorees have made outstanding contributions in human rights by promoting, protecting, and advancing human rights for individuals here in our region and throughout the world,” said Mary Meg Mccarthy, director, Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center.

Since 2000, the Midwest Light of Human Rights Awards has celebrated the contributions of business, civic, and philanthropic leaders in promoting human rights. In 2008 the event attracted more than 700 Chicago civic leaders, including attorneys, business leaders, legislators, and advocates. The event provides critical funding for Heartland Alliance's National Immigrant Justice Center to ensure that its dedicated staff and pro bono attorneys can continue to promote human rights and access to justice for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/deng_090105.html
Deng hosts Lost Boys of Sudan "Hope for Sudan Celebration"

Native of Sudan led a day of festivities to celebrate the Sudanese Independence Day

January 5, 2009 – Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng hosted the Lost Boys of Sudan “Hope for Sudan Celebration” on Sunday at Truman College.

Beginning at 3 p.m., Deng, a native of Sudan, led a day of festivities to celebrate the fourth anniversary of Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Sudanese Independence Day. It was also a celebration for the Lost Boys birthdays. Immigration paperwork marks January 1 as the birthday for all of the Sudanese boys.

The festivities included guest speakers such as Deng and fellow Sudanese native and United States Olympian Lopez Lomong. Additionally, there was a variety of performances from Sudanese musicians.

For more information, please visit sudanesecommunitycenter.org or lostboyschicago.com

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/deng_guess_081029.html

Tyrus Thomas, Drew Gooden and Luol Deng

October 29, 2008 – Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng teamed up with GUESS by Marciano and GQ Magazine to celebrate the best of fall fashion with a private cocktail reception at the GUESS Michigan Ave. store on Wednesday evening.

The event was co-hosted by Deng’s teammate, Drew Gooden, and benefitted the Luol Deng Foundation, a charity dedicated to assisting those in need by providing resources and creating opportunities for a better way of life. With hope, integrity and faith as values, the Luol Deng Foundation provides wellness, educational and recreational programs to encourage and promote progress and improvement in our community and in the Sudan.

Invited guests enjoyed the season’s newest fashion styles while mingling with the evening’s co-hosts. Other Bulls personalities including Tyrus Thomas were on hand for the event.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/thanksgiving_081116.html

Tyrus Thomas and Aaron Gray joined Deng in serving a holiday dinner

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/deng_nbn_080318.html

Deng and New Jersey Nets’ DeSagana Diop donate funds to the Nothing But Nets campaign

For just a $10 donation, nets like the one Luol Deng is holding can save a life.

March 18, 2008 – The Bulls and Nets meet tonight for the third time this season and—no matter the outcome—children and families in Africa will benefit from the on-court match-up.

The United Nations Foundation announced today that Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng has pledged $50 to the Nothing But Nets campaign (www.NothingButNets.net) for each basket he makes during the regular season. The Foundation also announced that New Jersey Nets center DeSagana Diop—newly acquired from the Dallas Mavericks—will donate $100 for each blocked shot.

“Around eight million cases of malaria occur each year in my home country, yet more than 80 percent of households don’t have access to lifesaving bed nets,” said Deng, a native of Sudan. “I hope my commitment to donate $50 for each basket I make this season will inspire others to send a net and save a life—because together we can help cover the continent.”

Diop, who is from Senegal, understands the importance of sleeping under bed nets. “This season, all of my blocked shots will help Nothing But Nets send bed nets, it’s seven feet of Diop against the 7-millimeter mosquito!”

Nothing But Nets, a project of the UN Foundation, is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by delivering anti-malaria bed nets to those most in need. Although malaria has been eliminated in the United States, it still kills more than one million people each year—most of whom are children in Africa. Bed nets are an affordable method of preventing the spread of the deadly disease. A $10 donation is all it takes to purchase and distribute a long-lasting insecticide-treated bed net and educate the recipient on its proper use.

“No matter what happens tonight on the court, the children of Africa are the real winners,” said Kathy Calvin, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the UN Foundation. “The NBA has been with us since the creation of Nothing But Nets and together we’ve helped send nearly two million nets to Africa. With the help of Luol and DeSagana, we’ll be able to send even more nets and save more lives.”

DeSagana Diop and Luol Deng

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/lostboys_080106.html
Deng hosts Lost Boys of Sudan "Hope for Sudan Celebration"

Former NBA player and Sudan native Manute Bol joined Deng in the festivities

Luol Deng poses for a photo with the Windy City Simbas prior to the start of a basketball scrimmage during a Hope for Sudan Celebration hosted by Deng and the Chicago Association for the Lost Boys of Sudan at Truman College. (Randy Belice/NBAE/Getty Images)

January 7, 2008 – Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng hosted the Lost Boys of Sudan “Hope for Sudan Celebration” on Sunday at Truman College in Chicago.

Deng, a native of the Sudan, led a day of festivities to celebrate the third anniversary of Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the Lost Boys birthdays. Immigration paperwork marks January 1 as the birthday for all of the Sudanese boys.

The festivities included guest speakers such as Deng and fellow Sudanese native Manute Bol. Additionally, there was a variety of performances from the Sudanese Women Dance Group, the Sudanese Children Show, the SEDC Team (Lost Boys Musicians) and other traditional dance troupes.

The celebration culminated with a basketball game between two Lost Boys chapters – Chicago Windy City Simba versus the Kansas City Lost Boys.

The Bulls partnered with Hinckley Springs, Edy’s and Vienna Beef to provide lunch and dessert for those participating in the celebration.

The Lost Boys of Sudan are a group of Sudanese boys who saw their parents killed and villages burned as a civil war engulfed Sudan during the 1980s. The boys walked on a journey that lasted about 3 months in search of safety. Over half were killed or captured. After 14 years in refugee camps, their plight came to the attention of the U.S. State Department and beginning in 2001 many of them were resettled in the United States. Over 125 live among us in the Chicago area.

These young men are currently pursuing their educations while maintaining a strong sense of community and working to support themselves. They are dedicated to helping rebuild their homes and villages.

The Chicago Association for the Lost Boys of Sudan (CALBOS) was formed in 2002 for the purpose of providing mentoring, medical help, emergency assistance, employment counseling and educational support to the Lost Boys of Sudan living in Chicago.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/deng_thanksgiving_071121.html

The Bulls and Deng provided Thanksgiving dinner for more than 700 visitors to the Pacific Garden Mission. (Randy Belice/NBAE/Getty Images)

November 22, 2007 – The Chicago Bulls and Luol Deng provided Thanksgiving dinner for more than 700 visitors to the Pacific Garden Mission (1458 S. Canal Street | Chicago, IL) on Wednesday evening.

Deng, along with the help from his foundation, the Bulls, Eli’s Cheesecake, Randolph Flowers, Hinckley Springs, Fields Auto Group and Infinite Logistics, donated and served a Thanksgiving dinner and Chicago’s Eli’s Cheesecake to the men visiting the homeless shelter that evening. After dinner, Deng provided each guest with a Bulls gift to celebrate the holiday.

Deng was also joined by teammate Thabo Sefolosha, as well as team mascot Benny the Bull, as they personally helped serve dinner to the 700 diners.

The Luol Deng Foundation is dedicated to assisting those in need by providing resources and creating opportunities for a better way of life. With hope, integrity and faith as values, our wellness, educational and recreational programs encourage and promote progress and improvement in our community and in Sudan.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/nothingbutnets_070828.html

Urgent appeal from UN Foundation’s Nothing But Nets campaign raises more than $400,000

For just a $10 donation, nets like the one Luol Deng is holding can save a life.

August 28, 2007 – Responding to an urgent and specific need in Eastern Chad, the United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets (www.NothingButNets.net) campaign is sending more than 40,000 bed nets to 15 temporary camps along the Chad-Sudan and Chad-Central African Republic border.

The long-lasting insecticide-treated nets will help prevent the transmission of malaria among the 200,000 refugees and internally displaced people living in the camps due to the ongoing crisis in Darfur.
The Chicago Bulls, a local partner in the Nothing But Nets campaign, held a press conference with the UN Foundation and Bulls forward Luol Deng in late July to bring attention to the appeal.

CharitaBulls, the Bulls non-profit foundation, contributed the first $10,000 for the emergency appeal. Additionally, the Bulls also pledged to mobilize their friends, fans and supporters to encourage their support of the appeal.

"We asked the tens of thousands of Nothing But Nets supporters to help us purchase and deliver nets to Chad—and they responded overwhelmingly in just three weeks," said Kathy Bushkin Calvin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, United Nations Foundation.

Last month, the UN High Commission on Refugees, UNICEF, and the MENTOR Initiative—an NGO working on the ground in the region—recognized an emergency need and sought assistance from the United Nations Foundation to purchase and deliver nets before the height of the rainy season. Without the bed nets, it was estimated that 25 percent of those living in the camps could die from malaria.

“Many lives will be saved through this emergency campaign,” said Richard Allan, CEO of the MENTOR Initiative. “With so many Chadians forced into temporary camps and living under poor conditions, the delivery of these nets is vital to protecting Chadian families from the spread of malaria.”

Through a growing network of more than 60,000 individuals, Nothing But Nets—a grassroots effort to prevent malaria by delivering long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets—raised more than $400,000 to send the nets.
“I want to thank my team and all those who answered this urgent appeal,” said Bulls forward and Sudan native Luol Deng. “With your donations, you have prevented the unnecessary suffering of thousands.” Deng is also a national spokesperson for Nothing But Nets.

A $10 donation to Nothing But Nets covers the cost to purchase and distribute a net and educate a community health worker on its proper use.

While malaria has been eliminated in the United States, it still kills more than one million people each year—most of whom are children. Bed nets are one of the most cost-effective and simple methods of preventing the spread of the deadly disease. To donate, visit www.NothingButNets.net.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/deng_assist_070504.html

Third-year veteran shows great dedication to community service and outreach programs

NEW YORK, May 4, 2007 – In recognition of Luol Deng's outstanding efforts in the community and for his ongoing philanthropic work, the NBA announced today it has honored the Chicago Bulls forward with the Community Assist Award for April.

A three-year NBA veteran, Bulls forward Luol Deng shows great dedication to community service and outreach programs in the Chicago-area and in his homeland of the Sudan. During the month of April, Deng hosted the opening of the Chicago Bulls and Luol Deng Reading & Learning Center at Victor Herbert Elementary School on Chicago’s West Side. Deng cut the ribbon to welcome a group of over 20 students to the newly renovated Center, which was funded, in part, by the Luol Deng Foundation. The school went under an “Extreme Makeover” with a newly furnished, painted and fully-equipped resource room that includes a reading area and new math lab.

“My athletic abilities have opened many doors of opportunity to me. Along with playing in the NBA, I am fortunate to be in a position to genuinely help others and I intend to take full advantage of that opportunity,” said Deng. “One of the most rewarding things about playing in the NBA is being in a position to really affect the lives of others in a positive way.”

Chicago-area eighth grader Zack Harris heard about Deng's efforts with the World Food Program to help create awareness about global hunger especially in the Darfur region of the Sudan. After seeing a PSA Deng was featured in, Harris decided to hold his own fundraiser to assist the cause. After being elected eighth-grade president for his school, Harris wanted his classmates to become more involved in the global community and using Deng as inspiration, hosted a charity dance and additional fundraising activities. On April 20, Harris presented Deng with a $3,000 check made out to the Luol Deng Foundation, to help.
Early this season, Deng, a native of the Sudan, hosted a special “Birthday” party at St. Paul’s Church in Chicago for “The Lost Boys of the Sudan”, a generation of Sudanese boys who were driven from their tribal villages by a devastating civil war between north and south Sudan. Immigration paperwork marks January 1, as the birthday for all of the Sudanese boys whom he regularly hosts as his guests at Bulls home games.
During September, Deng participated in the NBA’s Basketball without Borders in Africa, traveling to Johannesburg to take part in the global basketball development and community outreach program. During the off-season, Deng founded and organized “The Luol Deng Summer Camp,” a co-ed basketball camp in London, England for 250 NBA hopefuls. The entire camp, which takes place annually in August at Seven Oaks School, is financed by Luol who also provides nearly 150 scholarships to participants.

As the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award, Deng will receive the David Robinson Plaque with the inscription, “Following the standard set by NBA Legend David Robinson who improved the community piece by piece.” In addition to the plaque, a $5,000 donation will be given to Luol Deng Foundation on behalf of Deng.
The league presents the NBA Community Assist Award monthly to recognize players for their charitable efforts. The award honors the NBA player who reflects the passion that the league and its players have for giving back to their communities.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/deng_070419.html

Deng joined a group of more than 20 students for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Victor Herbert Elementary

Updated May 3, 2007 |
Bulls forward Luol Deng, along with the Bulls, hosted the opening of the Chicago Bulls and Luol Deng Reading and Learning Center on April 19 at Victor Herbert Elementary School on the city’s west side. Deng, along with Benny the Bull, were on hand for an official ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome a group of more than 20 students to the newly renovated room funded by the Bulls and Deng.

During the past months, the Luol Deng Foundation and the Bulls completed an “Extreme Makeover” by renovating an existing room in the school to provide a newly furnished, painted and fully-equipped area for students to learn. Constructed to provide children with an area to strengthen literacy skills and expand their education, the room is divided into two specific sections – a reading area and a math lab. The reading area is equipped with a selection of books, computers, televisions, reference materials and learning aids. The math lab is equipped with math supplies, calculators and a brand new chalk board. The new room also includes some unique features such as an aquarium and Bulls memorabilia.

To celebrate the Reading and Learning Center opening, Deng participated with the students in computer games and reading sessions. Additionally, he signed autographs and provided Bulls t-shirts and hats for all of the students.

The Reading and Learning Center at Victor Herbert Elementary School was a joint project of the Chicago Bulls and the Luol Deng Foundation. As part of the Read to Achieve program, the Bulls have committed to building a Reading and Learning Center at a Chicago youth facility each year. Similar centers have been established at the Martin Luther King Boys and Girls Club, Rush University Medical Center, Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education-Roosevelt and Chicago Youth Center-ABC. Rush University Medical Center and ComEd, an Exelon company, are partners of the Bulls Read to Achieve program.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/deng_donation_050420.html

Local eighth-grader Zack Harris wanted his classmates to become more involved in the global community and using Luol Deng as inspiration, he hosted a charity dance and additional fundraising activities to support the cause.

Posted May 4, 2007 |
On April 20, Glencoe Central School eighth-grader Zack Harris presented Bulls forward Luol Deng and his foundation with a check for $3,000 to help combat the hunger crisis in the Darfur region of the Sudan.

Harris, an avid Bulls fan, heard about Deng’s efforts with the World Food Program to help create awareness about global hunger especially in the Darfur region of his native Sudan.

After being elected eighth grade president for his school, Harris wanted his classmates to become more involved in the global community and using Deng as inspiration, he hosted a charity dance and additional fundraising activities to support the cause. The eighth grade “Dance for Darfur” took place on March 16 and raised more than $1,100. With the additional support and fundraising efforts of the Glencoe community and Grand Foods Center, the total raised was approximately $3,000.

Deng was on hand at the Bulls practice facility, the Sheri L. Berto Center to accept the donation and personally thank Harris for the contribution.

Throughout the season, Deng regularly hosts children from “The Lost Boys of Sudan,” a generation of Sudanese boys who were driven from their homes by a devastating civil war between north and south Sudan, at Bulls games and has partnered with the NBA and the World Food Program to produce a public service announcement aimed at gaining financial assistance for victims of the Darfur crisis.

Additionally in December, Deng was on hand to present a $100,000 donation, made on his behalf, from CharitaBulls, the Bulls’ non-profit organization, to Friends of the World Food Program, a U.S.-based, non-profit organization dedicated to building support for the UN World Food Program (WFP). The contribution from CharitaBulls will help feed more than 3,000 school children plagued by hunger in Darfur for one full year.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/deng_thanksgiving_061121.html
Deng Provides 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Homeless Shelter

More than 400 visitors to the Pacific Garden Mission’s Gospel League Home enjoyed the meal

Deng was joined by teammate Thabo Sefolosha as they served over 400 visitors a Thanksgiving meal on Nov. 22.

November 23, 2006 — The Bulls and Luol Deng celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday by providing dinner to more than 400 visitors to the Pacific Garden Mission’s Gospel League, a homeless shelter in Chicago, on November 22.

Deng, along with the help of the Chicago Bulls, MacArthur’s Restaurant, Eli’s Cheesecake, Randolph Flowers, and Fields Auto Group donated and served a Thanksgiving dinner and Chicago’s Eli’s Cheesecake to the families visiting the homeless shelter that evening.

Deng was also joined by teammate Thabo Sefolosha and team mascot Benny the Bull as they personally assisted with the serving of dinner to the 400 diners. After dinner, the Bulls players signed autographs and provided each guest with an assortment of Bulls gifts.

“My athletic abilities have opened many doors of opportunity to me,” said Deng. “Along with playing in the NBA, I am fortunate to be in a position to genuinely help others and I intend to take full advantage of that opportunity. The holidays can be extremely difficult for those who are struggling because they are a time for celebration, giving thanks and sharing. My goal is to remind these people that they are cared about and give them hope that there are better days ahead.”

Deng is dedicated to assisting youth and families in the metropolitan Chicago community by providing resources and creating opportunities. With hope, integrity and faith as values, Deng creates and implements hands-on projects that inspire and encourage progress and improvement in the community.

Since 1877, Pacific Garden Mission has been a refuge for those weary of struggling through life's storms. Countless millions have come to the "Old Lighthouse" in Chicago seeking food, shelter and clothing as well as medical and dental care. The Gospel League Home was established in 1941 to specifically address the needs of homeless women and children. It provides dorm-like housing for approximately 150 women and serves between 5,000 and 7,000 meals each month.

http://www.nba.com/bulls/community/deng_thanksgiving05.html

November 17, 2005 – Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng will visit Pacific Garden Mission’s Gospel League Home (Chicago) on Wednesday, November 23, to serve a Thanksgiving dinner he has purchased to the 400 visitors expected at the home that evening.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Deng and Bulls mascot Benny the Bull will serve the traditional turkey dinner followed by dessert and the distribution of Bulls gifts from the star forward. The Gospel League Home is located at 955 West Grand Avenue in Chicago.

“My athletic abilities have opened many doors of opportunity to me,” said Deng. “Along with playing in the NBA, I am fortunate to be in a position to genuinely help others and I intend to take full advantage of that opportunity."

"The holidays can be extremely difficult for those who are struggling because they are a time for celebration, giving thanks and sharing," he continued. "My goal is to remind these people that they are cared about and give them hope that there are better days ahead.”

With the assistance of the Chicago Bulls, Boston Market, Eli’s Cheesecake and Point Imaging, all patrons visiting the home on November 23 will be provided with dinner, dessert and Bulls novelties in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Deng will continue what has become his holiday tradition of giving in December by planning a shopping spree for local youth.

During his career, Deng would like to use his experience to inspire hope and hard work in young people who must overcome significant obstacles in order to lead productive lives.

Like Luol, there are plenty of great young people – in this city and throughout the world – who are building brighter futures through grit, focus and steadfast resolve. To help them, he plans to establish a Fund that will recognize and reward their efforts. Over the next year, Luol will be giving serious thought to the Fund’s mission and the grantmaking activities that will best support it. For now, he is delighted to do what he can by participating in uplifting events such as this one.

Since 1877, Pacific Garden Mission has been a refuge for those weary of struggling through life's storms. Countless millions have come to the "Old Lighthouse" in Chicago seeking food, shelter and clothing as well as medical and dental care. Many also come seeking the answer to their ongoing struggle. They leave having found new life through faith in Jesus Christ. The Gospel League Home was established in 1941 to specifically address the needs of homeless women and children. It provides dorm-like housing for approximately 150 women and serves between 5,000 and 7,000 meals each month.