The Sixers center continues to stay involved to further philanthropic causes in Africa.
Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid recently reiterated that “Philadelphia is home” after signing his three-year, $193 million contract extension. Still, while embracing the City of Brotherly Love, and helping to guide Team USA to a gold medal in spite of the haters, the big man has always done his best to further causes where he grew up. Last month, the Cameroonian native even received the country’s Medal of Honor from President Paul Biya.
Today, he will be speaking at two events discussing how sports can help transform Africa financially, as relayed by NBA Insider Chris Haynes:
I’m told Sixers star Joel Embiid is in New York for United Nation General Assembly week with focus of how business of sports can transform Africa financially. He will speak at two events today, including Earthshot Prize hosted by Prince William.
Monday night Bloomberg hosted an… pic.twitter.com/TBDXjM4l2w
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 24, 2024
The Earthshot Prize was first started in 2020 by Prince William and Sir David Attenborough (known to many Americans as the narrator of the Planet Earth series). It rewards five winners each year with a 1 million pound grant to continue their work toward environmental causes. While we don’t know yet exactly what topics Embiid’s speeches will hit, it’s terrific to seem him continue to be so engaged and involved, using his prominence that putting a ball in a basket has granted him to try and help people.
This New York trip is one more stop in what has been a very busy summer for Embiid. The man has been crossing the globe for Olympic basketball, visiting family, and locking in additional financial security. This time next week, he’ll be in The Bahamas for Sixers training camp, looking to start the journey towards his first NBA championship. Until then, keep up the good work, Joel.