OKC’s Enes Kanter endeavors to help young Filipinos during PH visit

MANILA, Philippines – Basketball is a universal language.

Oklahoma City Thunder’s Enes Kanter extended his reach and showed what basketball is really about as he came to visit the Philippines to promote his advocacies, Thursday, May 11 at San Juan City.

The Enes Kanter Light Foundation was launched to support his philanthropy and help underprivileged children.

During his two-day visit in the country, Kanter donated medicine and gifts to the children and scholars of White Cross Orphanage and the ICAD Foundation.

The Turkish NBA player Kanter partnered with Fountain International School (FIS) to make the Light Foundation possible.

The main focus of the program is to bring shelter, food, education and resources to the underprivileged youth.

During his basketball exhibition with some of the FIS kids at Greenhills West Clubhouse, the 6-foot-11 Kanter shared how he’s thrilled about the popularity of basketball in the county.

“I’m really happy to be here,” said Kanter, the 6-season pro who averaged 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds for the Thunder this season. “The most important thing is that we’re all speaking the same language that is basketball.”

More than a sport

In a press conference, Kanter expressed how bringing his Light Foundation to the Philippines has been one of the best trips he has made so far.

“It’s amazing. I can’t say enough how beautiful the country is, how amazing the people are here and how they’re so welcoming,” Kanter said. “I can see the love of basketball here and that makes me really happy. I told my manager the Philippines is on top of my list.”

The big man Kanter was inspired by his experiences to build this advocacy while encountering children down on their luck during his travels.

“I was travelling and I’ve been seeing talented kids but they didn’t have hope, they didn’t have confidence in themselves,” shared Kanter. “Now, I want to go around the whole world and just tell them about how important education is in their lives.”

According to Kanter, with the FIS opening a new school, the OKC center confirmed he’ll be coming back again next year.

“I’ll definitely be back here,” he said.

Through the Light Foundation, Kanter is able to help provide food, mentorship and tutorial programs to kids at Central and Western Oklahoma. He has also donated more than 30,000 meals to children. – Rappler.com