South Sudan’s basketball team, the Bright Stars, has come a long way to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Founded only seven years ago, the team defied the odds to qualify for the games, including training in Rwanda due to inadequate facilities at home. Their debut has garnered global attention, symbolizing hope and resilience for South Sudan, the youngest nation in the world. Fans from around the world, especially the South Sudanese diaspora in Australia, traveled to support the team. According to some of these fans, this historic moment has brought joy and unity to the young nation, which has been plagued by conflict. Former NBA star Luol Deng, assistant coach and president of South Sudan’s basketball federation, has played a large part in the team’s rise, including using his money to develop the team.
SOURCE: DW
