March 12, (THEWILL) – Bismack Biyombo, a centre with the Phoenix Suns, is giving back to his homeland.
Biyombo revealed in a video posted by his charitable foundation, that he will donate his whole NBA salary for the 2021-22 season to help establish a hospital in Congo DR, in honour of his late father.
Throughout his NBA career, Biyombo’s off-court philanthropy and philanthropic activities have been a big part of his life. In April 2020, he donated $1 million in medical supplies to his homeland to aid in the fight against COVID-19.
After that time, Biyombo revealed the topmost concern of his in an interview. He said: “The Congo is not a country where you can tell people to stay at home. The population is roughly 80 million and about 70% of the population live in poverty. They’re depending on daily pay.
“You can’t say, ‘Listen, I want you to stay at home.’ How is that going to work? That is the biggest fear for me.”
Supplies such as 10,000 medical masks, 780 hazmat suits, and medical beds are among the items included in his million-dollar donation. Biyombo’s work earned him a spot on Time’s list of Next Generation Leaders for 2021.
Biyombo has so far utilised his own money and money generated through the Bismack Biyombo Foundation, to help develop schools and sports facilities, grant scholarships, and enhance health care in Congo.
As he was grieving the death of his father, Francois Biyombo, in August from health challenges after contracting COVID-19, Biyombo chose not to sign with a team before the start of this season. He had previously spoken openly about his relationship with his father.
“My dad was everything to me”, he said. “My whole career, I always get a text message from my dad before the game. Sometimes it would be 3 am over there, 4 am in the Congo. And I’m like, ‘Dad, what are you doing up at this time?’ He was always checking on my game.”
On January 1, Biyombo signed a 10-day hardship contract with the Suns. When his original contract expired on Jan. 11, the organisation offered him a one-year, $1.4 million deal.
Biyombo has previously played for the Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets, Orlando Magic, and Toronto Raptors, and is now in his 11th NBA season.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
