Funeral For Manute Bol

Check back here today at 10am EST for live webcast of funeral

Washington, D.C. -- 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 coffin. He played for the Washington Bullets (now renamed the Washington Wizards) 1985-1986 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 officiated by the Rev. John Garang-Tholhok Awan, representing Sudanese Lost Boys, who trace their survival to Bol's humanitarian efforts. Canon Tom Prichard, executive director of Sudan Sunrise, who worked closely with Bol on his school-building and reconciliation projects, will give the homily.

"I will remember Bol as an unwavering advocate for peace and reconciliation, and a tireless friend of the oppressed in his beloved 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 United States, and NBA representative, Rory Sparrow, vice president of player development and former teammate.

Click here to watch video of Bol in Sudan.

The funeral service can be viewed live here beginning at 10am EST. The Honorable Robert C. McFarlane, former envoy to the Middle East during the Reagan administration will offer a reading, as will His Excellency Deng Deng Nhial, deputy head of mission of the Government of Southern Sudan Mission to the United States. Rev. Samuel Juma, pastor of the Sudanese congregation at the Cornerstone Evangelical Free Chruch, Annandale, Va., will also participate.

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.

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.

Learn more at www.nationalcathedral.org

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.

Learn more at www.sudansunrise.org