[Chron] Mutombo Planning Star-Studded Charity Game

Mutombo gets ball rolling
Rockets center plans all-star game in Paris to assist hospital in Congo

By JONATHAN FEIGEN
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

SAN ANTONIO - Back from his night as an honored guest at the State of the Union address, Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo joined the Rockets here while making plans for a game on another continent.

In that one, Mutombo plans to bring Yao Ming with him.

Mutombo expects to hold an all-star game on July 15 in Paris with several NBA stars, including Yao, playing against the Spurs' Tony Parker and the French team.

Proceeds will benefit the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center in Kinshasa, Republic of Congo.

"We have a game in Paris for the hospital," Mutombo said. "We're going to play against the French, all the international players playing in America, me, Yao, Dirk (Nowitzki), Pau Gasol, we're going to play against the French national team with Tony Parker.

"Yao is playing so we will raise a couple million. All the money will go to the hospital to run the hospital for the first couple of years."

NBA vice president of international communications Terry Lyons said the NBA is working on sanctioning the game.

"I think it will happen," Lyons said. "It's in the sanctioning process, that's for sure."

Mutombo hopes the hospital will begin treating patients in April, pending the delivery of some needed equipment. The official opening is scheduled for three days after the Paris game.

"I have a big fundraising coming up April 12 at the Houstonian, a big one," Mutombo said. "I'm trying to get the mayor (Bill White) and the father Bush to speak at it."

Former President Bush has met with Mutombo on several occasions and spoke at the Rockets' 2005 Tux & Tennies dinner to help raise $500,000 for the hospital.

"I've had the chance to meet with a lot of members of Congress, a few cabinet members as well," Mutombo said. "I didn't know this message was going to reach the president. To me, to be a citizen of this country ... to be praised for my work in Africa, I'm very happy."

A day later, Mutombo said he was moved, but there was no mistaking his expression on Tuesday.

"That was pure joy right there," Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said. "You see that pure joy usually in kids. To me, they were heartfelt remarks about a wonderful guy.

"It doesn't matter what your political view is ... to be recognized for your humanitarian work by the President of the United States is a highlight that Dikembe will never forget."

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