Cade Lucas
A pair of Wyndham athletes are heading off to compete in the upcoming Olympics, but unlike other locals who’ve been selected for Paris 2024, these two won;t be wearing green and gold.
Rather, Wyndham basketballers Kuany Ngor Kuany and Mackuei Puondak will be wearing the black and white of South Sudan when they take to the court in Paris next month.
Kuany and Mackuei are among six Melbourne based players who will represent the Bright Stars at the 2024 Games and were farewelled at a special reception hosted by Wyndham council in Werribee last week.
“I was delighted to meet with members of the South Sudan National Basketball team on Friday 31 May at a Meet and Greet at Wyndham’s Civic Centre and congratulate them personally on making the team headed for the 2024 Paris Olympics,” said Wyndham mayor Jennie Barrera of the evening.
This is the first time South Sudan have qualified for the Olympics and not only are Kuany and Mackuei be part of the history making squad, but Kuany also has the honour of being captain.
We have amazingly talented basketballers right on our doorstep,” said Cr Barrera of the pair.
“It was a pleasure to meet both of them in person and hear about their personal stories and basketball journey before they depart back to South Sudan for an intensive training camp.
On behalf of Wyndham City and the wider community we wish the South Sudan National Basketball team the very best of luck and every success in the 2024 Paris Olympics.”
South Sudan play their first game against Puerto Rico on July 28.
