FIBA Basketball

''It's time to give back,'' says Kone whose Foundation is encouraging Ivorians to fight COVID-19

ABIDJAN - Cote d'Ivoire international Mohamed Kone has joined a number of local personalities in fight against Covid-19 in the West Africa country.

ABIDJAN - Cote d'Ivoire international Mohamed Kone has joined a number of local personalities in fight against COVID-19 in the West Africa country.

Ivorians from all walks of life have joined forces to make a difference as more and more Coronavirus cases are registered in Cote d'Ivoire, and they are making sure to fight back.

Through his foundation 'Fondation MoKone', the two-time FIBA Basketball World Cup participant, has donated a number of goods aimed at preventing the spread of the pandemic.

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C’est avec beaucoup d’émotion que ma Fondation a participé à une action de solidarité à l’initiative citoyenne de Mon ami et frère Abdul Kader Cisse , Président de la JUNCI qui organise cette caravane du partage pour aider les populations du District Autonome d’Abidjan à surmonter l’épreuve si éprouvante du confinement due à l’épidémie du COVID-19. La 1ère étape celle d’Adjame a eu lieu ce jour dans l’enceinte de la mairie. J’ai été représenté par mon équipe qui a abattu un travail remarquable, au côté des équipes sur place! Merci aux autres généreux donateurs, Merci a la Presse et Bravo à ce nouveau né qu’est la « Fondation Mo Kone » et toute ma team que de belles choses en perspectives et cela ne serait possible sans votre appui. Voir la joie sur le visage de ces familles m’as donné la force et le courage de continuer a servir mon pays du mieux que je peux. #blessedguy #stayathome #waramindset #givewithlove #FondationMoKone

A post shared by Mohamed Kone Official (@mohamedkoneofficial) on Apr 12, 2020 at 2:38pm PDT

"It's time to give back," Kone, who currently plays for Vichy-Clermont in France's PRO B, explained to FIBA.basketball.

Among those helping the country is former football superstar Didier Drogba who allowed his hospital in the country to be used as a coronavirus treatment centre.

Official figures indicate that Cote d'Ivoire has registered 916 active confirmed cases, and 13 deaths caused by the virus as of April 22nd.

And Kone, who embarked on a professional basketball in France more than ten years ago, reiterates that he is prepared to do everything in his power to help his fellow Ivorians during these difficult times.

"The purpose of this campaign is to give back to my community. I am an international basketball player, and I had the privilege of representing my country Cote d'Ivoire worldwide. It means a great deal to me to join the campaign to help our population," the 39-year-old explained.

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Il y a des images qui touchent profondément! Cette vidéo m’as particulièrement touché . Ces familles ont besoin d’être soutenue sinon comment réussir à combattre un ennemi invisible ? Surprendre des familles qui ne s’y attendaient pas reste le plus beau des cadeaux! #waramindset #Givewithlove #Blessedguy #Blessedteam #FondationMokone #outCovid

A post shared by Mohamed Kone Official (@mohamedkoneofficial) on Apr 12, 2020 at 11:31pm PDT

The man who helped Cote d'Ivoire claim a Second-Place finish at FIBA AfroBasket 2009, went on saying that his "The Fondation Mokone was created to help raise and generate funds to help our communities dealing with COVID-19. I got involved because I think everyone can participate at their own level in this fight which concerns us all."

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