NBA Player From Senegal Has Used His Success To Feed Millions And Revamp Hospitals

December 28, 2018

Minnesota Timberwolves' center Gorgui Dieng has sent more than 1.5 million meals to Senegal as well as revamped a hospital with hundreds of new beds and modern machines.

Gorgui Dieng hospital in Senegal
Credit: Gorgui Dieng

Gorgui was born in Kebemer, Senegal. A few years ago while visiting his hometown, he witnessed something that changed his purpose in life.

"I saw a pregnant woman laying on the ground because they don't have a bed for her," Gorgui told CloseUp360. "That's when I started getting involved. That was the first day I talked to the doctor. I was, like, ‘Listen, I don't promise anything to you guys, but I want to know exactly what you guys need.' And since then, I've taken over from there."

The Gorgui Dieng Foundation fulfilled the doctor's orders for the hospital in Kebemer, which included 200 beds, exam tables, dialysis machines, X-ray machines and new monitors.

His foundation also focuses on helping to end malnutrition in Senegal by providing meals to hundreds of thousands of kids in need.

To date, the foundation has sent more than 1.5 million meals to Senegal.

"I'm more excited about the things I do off the court," Gorgui said. "I don't want people to label me as a basketball player. I want people to label me like I care. What I do is to help my community and help people."

Watch the video below.