It’s the NBA offseason, and that means players around the league are using their free time to do what they please, be it catching up on television shows, working out or simply having a good time with their families.
For Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry, it was a chance to sacrifice his personal time for a greater cause – he visited Tanzania, a country in Africa that has been stricken with Malaria.
Through the past season, Curry had an agreement to donate three bed nets for every 3-pointer he made for the people of Tanzania – a very kind and life-saving gesture in itself. But that wasn’t enough for the point guard, as he decided to risk Malaria and other diseases to help put the bed nets up himself. Rick Reilly of ESPN has details on the emotional trip with Curry:
He’d meet a woman named Nabwamima, who’s had four miscarriages due to malaria. “God bless you, Coory,” she said.
He’d meet a 25-year-old woman named Machozi, whose name means “tear” and who’s had malaria 20 times already. Her 6-month-old boy on her back is bloated and rust-colored from having it three times in the last three months.
He’d meet albino kids who had to flee their villages when chopping off albino limbs and grinding the bones into a “magic” dust suddenly became witch-doctor-approved good luck in 2009.
“This is exhausting,” he said during one break. “Emotionally. You know?”
According to the article, Curry also gave up the chance to be with his wife Ayesha Curry for their second-year anniversary. There are plenty of giving athletes in the NBA (and all sports), but with this powerful story, Curry has exemplified who he truly is. To risk his own life in an unstable environment in attempt to help so many other unfortunate lives shows that he is one of the most selfless, kindest and classiest individuals to represent the league. Clearly, life goes far beyond just basketball for Curry, and this is one story everyone can learn from and appreciate.
Here is what he had to say about the trip upon his return:
Thanks @ReillyRick and @nothingbutnets for an unforgettable experience. Those families stories are amazing! http://t.co/zd5IewtTKf
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) August 7, 2013
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James Park is the chief blogger of Sheridan Hoops. You can find him on twitter @SheridanBlog.