South Sudan build excitement for World Cup with Trophy Tour

JUBA (South Sudan) - Taking part in the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time is such a big deal for South Sudan that the Naismith Trophy has been taken to the office of President Salva Kiir.

Juba, the capital of South Sudan, was the latest stop on the Trophy Tour presented by J9 in May with South Sudan Basketball President Luol Deng accompanying the biggest prize in international basketball to various locations in the city.

The most prestigious stop for the Trophy Tour in Juba was on May 29 at the office of South Sudan President Salva Kiir(pictured above).

Below, a photo shows Deng (middle) with South Sudan President Kiir and Sports Minister Albino Bol (right), FIBA Africa Zone 5 President Hesham El Hariri (second from left).

Kirr has been President of South Sudan since its independence on July 9, 2011.

The Trophy was next taken to the South Sudan National Legislative Assembly. Five hundred people were on hand to hear Jemma Nunu Kumba, the Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.

Deng also spoke to those in attendance.

Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly

Deng made some remarks at the National Legislative Assembly

Later, the trophy looked right at home when it was displayed at the Nimra Talata basketball stadium (below).

Nimra Talata basketball stadium hosts regional and national basketball tournaments in the country.

Fans got a thrill to see the Naismith Trophy up close

As many as 300 fans were at the stadium with many gathering to take a photograph with the trophy. Also in attendance were Deng, Dr Albino Bol Dhuei, and national team star Koch Bar.

Among those photographed with the trophy were coaches

 Trophy at the John Garang Mausoleum

The trophy was displayed at the grave of John Garang de Mabior, the late leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and first Vice-President of post Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) Sudan.

The Naismith Trophy at the Nile River

The trophy was also photographed at the Nile River, which is the primary water source for Egypt, Sudan and South Sudan. The Nile also supports agriculture and fishing.

FIBA