I have met people who mock the American dream, saying it is a pie in the sky. This might be true for many Americans. But for the likes of Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo who is not even an American citizen yet, the concept called the American Dream is well and alive. There are few who can reasonably say otherwise if they honestly look at the short life of Giannis. He’s just 26 years old. From his humble beginning as the child of Nigerian immigrants who struggled to feed to signing the most lucrative contract in NBA history and sharing the podium with the President of the United States in the White House, Giannis is beyond doubt an example of what hardwork and dedication can produce.
In his own words during the White House visit for the NBA Champions – Milwaukee Bucks, he said “On behalf of my teammates, the coach staff, the Bucks organization, we are very grateful for this opportunity, …You know, a kid from Sepolia, Athens, Greece, grew up from two Nigerian parents. They were struggling every day to provide for us — illegal in a — a country… It’s an unbelievable opportunity to be able to be in the White House meeting the president of the United States. I could not be as honored and happy that something like this ever — ever comes — something like this in my life… “This is a great example that with hard work, with sacrifices, if you dedicate yourself and waking up every single day and try to get better in anything you do, in anything you love, and believe in your dreams, you can accomplish great things in life… I’ve done that my whole life, and I’m in the White House. This is us. You can never take moments like that for granted, but without hard work that would not be possible.”
President Joe Biden used the visit to congratulate the Milwaukee Bucks saying “…And, to all the players, that’s what you represent for so many people: pride — pride and decency. Just look at the enduring images during the Finals. Thousands of fans celebrating in the Deer District… in the Finals, you were down 0-2 against Phoenix. But you never gave up. I watched. It was amazing how you came back. You always believed. And, Coach Bud, you got them to play as a team. You know, Giannis, 50 points — (applause) — 50 points to seal Game Six to win the Bucks’ first championship in 50 years, since Kareem Al- — (laughs) — Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson won it for the Bucks. And the worst part is, I remember them both. (Laughter.) I was a kid. I was a kid. I remember them both. Finals MVP, two-time NBA MVP, five-time All-Star, and just named one of the — to the list of the 75 greatest NBA players ever…” These were the words of the most powerful man in the world said about Giannis with a look of utmost respect and admiration.
If you are a young man or woman with a dream, know that as Giannis remarked in his speech, that with hardwork that involves practicing and perfecting your talent and skills. The sacrifice that involves you abstaining from what makes others fail. And the dedication that excludes you from the distractions that derail youths and men and women of all ages, you can achieve great things far beyond what your education, country of origin, and family background can produce. At one point in Giannis’ life, he was sharing sneakers with his brothers, today, he has a new line of Nike sneakers to his name. Dream the impossible, and back your dreams with hardwork, sacrifice, and dedication.
Ata Ukuta, Editor – Towncryyers