NBA Player Pau Gasol Has a Message for the Philippines
After Robin Lopez, Wesley Matthews, and Avery Johnson visited the Philippines earlier this year to hold a training center and to help rebuild communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), Pau Gasol is the next NBA player who has expressed concern for those affected by the strongest typhoon ever recorded.
As part of Gasol’s commitment to UNICEF as ambassador, he has recorded two short videos, one for UNICEF’s relief efforts in Haiyan-affected communities, and another for the Voices of Children campaign, which aims to raise voices of children living through humanitarian emergencies.
In the first video, Gasol congratulates the Philippines, UNICEF and humanitarian agencies for their efforts in helping children and families affected by Typhoon Haiyan. He is also calling for continued support to the victims, in time for the first year anniversary of the calamity.
“The work is far from complete,” he said in the video. “Haiyan, or Yolanda, devastated homes, infrastructures, and lives. It needs long term commitment. UNICEF will continue its efforts with government and partners to help children and communities recover and to build more resilient structures and services.”
In the second one, Gasol tells the story of Michael, a boy affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, and calls on others to lend their voices to children affected by emergencies around the world.
“This country was devastated by a typhoon. Since his voice is not being heard, I’ll lend him mine,” Gasol said.
Pau Gasol is a Spanish player for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. His career is celebrated for winning  two NBA championships, both with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2002 with the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the only non-American player to win.
What do you think of the videos? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
NBA Player Pau Gasol Has a Message for the Philippines
