[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 22, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5225-S5226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO MANUTE BOL

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I wish to speak about the untimely 
passing of a giant--a giant in the hearts of the Sudanese people but 
also a literal giant. At 7 foot 7 inches, Manute Bol was a hero in his 
native home of Sudan, not for the fact alone that he was a pro 
basketball player in the United States or that he killed a lion with a 
spear while working as a cow

[[Page S5226]]

herder--no, Manute was a hero because of his advocacy for his fellow 
countrymen, a true humanitarian.
  Manute began his NBA career in Washington in 1985, when he was 
drafted in the second round by the Washington Bullets. That year, 
Manute set the NBA rookie record with a total of 397 blocks. He 
continued to break shot-blocking records throughout his career and is 
the only player in NBA history to block more shots than points scored.
  Manute coined the idiom or the phrase ``my bad,'' which quickly 
became the standard for those players owning up to their own errors on 
the court. ``My bad.'' To own up to one's own mistakes is a true 
measure of one's character, and it is no surprise that Manute leaves 
this legacy to the NBA.
  Manute had a gentle nature and unmistakable humor. He was also a 
Christian, and his faith guided his advocacy for his fellow Sudanese 
brothers and sisters.
  Manute was the son of a Dinka tribal chief and was given the name 
``Manute,'' which means ``special blessing.'' He was, indeed, special, 
and what made him special was not his height but his heart. Manute 
often returned to Sudan to visit refugee camps, and he subsequently 
created the Ring True Foundation to assist those less fortunate than 
himself.
  Manute moved to Olathe, KS, in 2007 to be closer to his family and 
continue his advocacy for Sudan as a spokesman for a Kansas-based 
nonprofit, Sudan Sunrise, which raises money to build schools and 
churches in Sudan. In 2006, Manute participated in the Sudan Freedom 
Work, a 3-week march from the U.N. building in New York to the U.S. 
Capitol in Washington, DC. He was admitted to the United States as a 
religious refugee, and in his final years in Kansas, Manute was working 
on a project to have Christians and Muslims work together to build a 
school in his hometown of Turlie, Sudan.
  The world needs more Manute Bols--individuals who dedicate their 
lives to others. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Manute's family, 
friends, and the people of Sudan.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arizona is recognized.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to engage in a 
colloquy with Dr. Barrasso.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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