Rallying for Guy
April 12, 2013
Win today and we walk together forever.
Legendary Philadelphia Flyers’ head coach Fred Shero wrote those words on a chalkboard before the team skated to a Stanley Cup championship in 1974.
It would not be a stretch to apply those same words to the 1993 StFX X-Men basketball team, which captured the CIS basketball championship under head coach Steve Konchalski.
Members of the squad, who were inducted into the StFX Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, have come together off the court in an effort to help one of their team-mates.
Guy Mbongo, a four-year forward with the X-Men, is in hiding as a result of the rebel overthrow of the civilian government in his native Bangui, Central African Republic late last month.
He and his family have been displaced from their home and no longer have their belongings.
With the rebel takeover continuing, which includes violence and looting, the United Nations has issued a warning about the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Since the uprising, more than 40,000 people have fled the Western African nation.
“They have lost everything,” Joe Odhiambo, a former X-Man and Mbongo team-mate, told the Casket.
A couple weeks ago, rebels stormed the Mbongo home and held the former X-Man at gunpoint. They told him they were there to kill him, but instead spared his life and told Mbongo and his family to go into hiding.
“It is a very serious situation, to say the least,” Odhiambo said.
In an effort to help Mbongo and his family, the ’93 X-Men have started a fundraising campaign, which includes an appeal for support from StFX alumni, friends and the Antigonish community.
“He loved his time at StFX and in Antigonish,” Odhiambo said of his friend, noting Mbongo made a great effort to be part of the Antigonish community.
Mbongo joined the X-Men in 1989, forming what became affectionately known by many as the “French Connection” with his countrymen Richard Bella and Aristide Nguilibet.
The 6’6” forward was a key contributor to the X-Men championship season, with highlights including a 26-point effort against an imposing Calgary Dinos frontcourt in a national quarterfinal win at the Halifax Metro Centre.
Along with his on-court accomplishments, Odhiambo said his friend is remembered as a great team-mate, who worked hard to learn English and complete his studies, while becoming part of the StFX and Antigonish communities.
“We are trying to get as many people as possible aware of the situation,” Odhiambo noted.
He added Mbongo, who touched many during his time at X with a “big, friendly smile and larger-than-life personality,” gave much back during his four years in Antigonish.
“Hopefully, people will be able to help in any way they can. I know it will be really, really appreciated,” Odhiambo said.
Henry Johnston – a long-time supporter of the X-Men and close friend of Mbongo – has also been helping with the effort.
“He has fond memories of his time in Antigonish and at StFX. He remembers the support he received from so many people,” Johnston said.
He added Mbongo was “well-liked by anyone who ever met him.”
“We hope people in Antigonish and those associated with StFX, including alumni, will be able to help in some way,” Johnston said.
Even if people cannot make a financial contribution, he noted well wishes would also be helpful. Johnston will pass them along to Mbongo.
“It would meet so much to Guy,” Johnston said.
To send greetings, or for any other information about the fundraiser, email Johnston at henry.johnston@islandcareeracademy.ca
Odhiambo noted any donation – large or small – will help immensely.
“It is going to be a challenge to get the money to him at this point (considering the situation), but we are going to have it for him when he needs it,” Odhiambo said.
Receipts will be issued with the online donation and confirmation of the total, as well as a copy of the bank draft, will be sent to all contributors.
The address for the Mbongo fund website – Former X-Man Needs Your Help – is www.gofundme.com/2klzjc
Legendary Philadelphia Flyers’ head coach Fred Shero wrote those words on a chalkboard before the team skated to a Stanley Cup championship in 1974.
It would not be a stretch to apply those same words to the 1993 StFX X-Men basketball team, which captured the CIS basketball championship under head coach Steve Konchalski.
Members of the squad, who were inducted into the StFX Sports Hall of Fame in 2008, have come together off the court in an effort to help one of their team-mates.
Guy Mbongo, a four-year forward with the X-Men, is in hiding as a result of the rebel overthrow of the civilian government in his native Bangui, Central African Republic late last month.
He and his family have been displaced from their home and no longer have their belongings.
With the rebel takeover continuing, which includes violence and looting, the United Nations has issued a warning about the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Since the uprising, more than 40,000 people have fled the Western African nation.
“They have lost everything,” Joe Odhiambo, a former X-Man and Mbongo team-mate, told the Casket.
A couple weeks ago, rebels stormed the Mbongo home and held the former X-Man at gunpoint. They told him they were there to kill him, but instead spared his life and told Mbongo and his family to go into hiding.
“It is a very serious situation, to say the least,” Odhiambo said.
In an effort to help Mbongo and his family, the ’93 X-Men have started a fundraising campaign, which includes an appeal for support from StFX alumni, friends and the Antigonish community.
“He loved his time at StFX and in Antigonish,” Odhiambo said of his friend, noting Mbongo made a great effort to be part of the Antigonish community.
Mbongo joined the X-Men in 1989, forming what became affectionately known by many as the “French Connection” with his countrymen Richard Bella and Aristide Nguilibet.
The 6’6” forward was a key contributor to the X-Men championship season, with highlights including a 26-point effort against an imposing Calgary Dinos frontcourt in a national quarterfinal win at the Halifax Metro Centre.
Along with his on-court accomplishments, Odhiambo said his friend is remembered as a great team-mate, who worked hard to learn English and complete his studies, while becoming part of the StFX and Antigonish communities.
“We are trying to get as many people as possible aware of the situation,” Odhiambo noted.
He added Mbongo, who touched many during his time at X with a “big, friendly smile and larger-than-life personality,” gave much back during his four years in Antigonish.
“Hopefully, people will be able to help in any way they can. I know it will be really, really appreciated,” Odhiambo said.
Henry Johnston – a long-time supporter of the X-Men and close friend of Mbongo – has also been helping with the effort.
“He has fond memories of his time in Antigonish and at StFX. He remembers the support he received from so many people,” Johnston said.
He added Mbongo was “well-liked by anyone who ever met him.”
“We hope people in Antigonish and those associated with StFX, including alumni, will be able to help in some way,” Johnston said.
Even if people cannot make a financial contribution, he noted well wishes would also be helpful. Johnston will pass them along to Mbongo.
“It would meet so much to Guy,” Johnston said.
To send greetings, or for any other information about the fundraiser, email Johnston at henry.johnston@islandcareeracademy.ca
Odhiambo noted any donation – large or small – will help immensely.
“It is going to be a challenge to get the money to him at this point (considering the situation), but we are going to have it for him when he needs it,” Odhiambo said.
Receipts will be issued with the online donation and confirmation of the total, as well as a copy of the bank draft, will be sent to all contributors.
The address for the Mbongo fund website – Former X-Man Needs Your Help – is www.gofundme.com/2klzjc