Manute Bol Funeral at Washington National Cathedral, Tuesday, June 29, 10 am

WASHINGTON, June 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The funeral for former NBA player and humanitarian for Sudan, Manute Bol, will be held at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, June 29, at 10 am. The service will be open to the public.

Bol, who was seven feet, six and three-quarter inches, tall will arrive at the Cathedral via limousine in an eight-foot, specially designed coffin. He played for the Washington Bullets (now renamed the Washington Wizards) 1985–1988 and subsequently for Golden State, the Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat before ending his NBA career in 1994. Bol died Saturday, June 19, after suffering severe kidney problems and a painful skin condition.

A native of Sudan, Bol spent his later years as an advisory board member of Sudan Sunrise, working for reconciliation in his native country. He will be remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans in a service Tuesday morning.  The funeral will be co-officiated by the Rev. John Garang-Tholhok Awan, representing Sudanese Lost Boys, who trace their survival to Bol's humanitarian efforts; and the Rev. Canon Tom Prichard, executive director of Sudan Sunrise, who worked closely with Bol on his school-building and reconciliation projects.

"I will remember Bol as an unwavering advocate for peace in his homeland. His endearing personality and generosity of spirit are qualities we need more of in the world," said Prichard.

Senator Sam Brownback described Bol from the Senate floor Tuesday as "a giant in the heart of the Sudanese people." Brownback will offer a tribute at the service, in addition to His Excellency Dr. Akec Khoc, ambassador of Sudan to the U.S. and NBA representative, Rory Sparrow, vice president of player development and former teammate.

The funeral service will be webcast live from the Cathedral's website, www.nationalcathedral.org. The Honorable Robert C. McFarlane, former national security advisor will offer a reading, as will His Excellency Deng Deng Nhial, deputy head of mission of the Government of Southern Sudan Mission to the U.S., and the Rev. Samuel Juma, pastor of the Sudanese congregation at the Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church, Annandale, Va.

There are no tickets required to attend; guests should arrive starting at 9 am. Limited parking will be available in the underground parking garage accessible from Wisconsin Avenue in front of the Cathedral's main entrance.

Instructions for Media

Media are invited to attend the service and will be placed in the Cathedral's dedicated press balcony. There is limited capacity. Press should RSVP to [email protected] and [email protected]. Media should plan to arrive at 9 am on the day of the service. More details will be released.

About Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral is a church for national purposes called to embody God's love and to welcome people of all faiths and perspectives. A unique blend of the spiritual and the civic, this Episcopal cathedral is a voice for generous-spirited Christianity and a catalyst for reconciliation and interfaith dialogue to promote respect and understanding. We invite all people to share in our commitment to create a more hopeful and just world.

About Sudan Sunrise

Sudan Sunrise, a not-for-profit, non-denominational organization, is a movement of Americans, Sudanese, and others to facilitate reconciliation and solidarity between Southern Sudanese Christians, Darfurian Muslims, and all Sudanese.

Media contacts:  Richard Weinberg, (202) 537-5548, [email protected] and Maria Sliwa, M. Sliwa Public Relations, (973) 272-2861, [email protected]

SOURCE Sudan Sunrise