The government of South Sudan has announced that it will build an 'Olympics City' in honor of the national men's basketball team, the 'Bright Stars,' following their outstanding performance in their first-ever participation in the Olympics in Paris.
On Friday, President Salva Kiir warmly received the Bright Stars in his office and hosted them at a grand ceremony celebrating national pride and unity, following their return from Paris on Thursday after participating in the 2024 Olympics.
The team returned home after their remarkable performance in the Olympic Games held in Paris, capturing the hearts of fans around the globe and inspiring a spirit of resilience across the nation.
President Kiir commended the Bright Stars for their dedication and exemplary performance, expressing pride in their ability to represent South Sudan on one of the world’s largest athletic platforms.
"In a show of solidarity and determination to advance the sporting industry, the government has allocated land for the construction of 'Olympics city'," statement from the office of the president reads on Friday.
The performance of the Bright Stars in Paris has been a source of joy and unity for the South Sudanese, even though their dreams of medal glory were shuttered when they failed to reach the quarter finals after group stage defeats by the United States and Serbia.
“A lot of people don't believe in us, but because of what we are doing, people are starting to see potential. All the support that we are getting, believe me, you guys are the ones who are making this possible for us,” said Luol Deng, president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation upon arrival in Juba in Thursday.
Although the team didn't bring the medals, their spirit and teamwork brought attention to the nation and its burgeoning sports culture.
Upon arrival in Juba, Captain Kuany Kuany stated that the time spent in Paris served as a ‘unifying factor’ for all South Sudanese, healing the trauma, hatred and tribalism planted by the conflicts of 2013 and 2016.
“It was really a uniting factor,” Kuany said. “It really means a lot to be here today. Just continue to fight for the country and raise the flag.”
While the team played at the Olympics games, South Sudanese across the nation were united in supporting the team in their first ever participation in the 2024 Olympics games in Paris, France.
Bright Stars became the only African men basketball team to qualify to play at the Olympics, bringing joy the nation and the African continent at large.
The presidential reception ceremony of the basketball team concluded with the President promising continued support for sports development in South Sudan, emphasizing the role of athletics in fostering peace and unity.