Pau Gasol: Empowering Young People

Full Frame

Pao GasolNBA star Pau Gasol discusses his role of being a UNICEF ambassador where he’s traveled the world to bring attention to the plight of vulnerable young people dealing with some of life’s greatest adversities.

Pau Gasol is an Olympian and All-Star NBA player. Originally from Spain, Pau now plays for the Chicago Bulls. But, it’s his heart that separates him from so many other professional athletes. While playing for the Los Angeles Lakers for six-and-a-half seasons, Gasol made an extensive philanthropic impact in the city, which included visits to the city’s children’s hospital.

Pau has also made an impact on a global level. Since 2003, he’s been a UNICEF ambassador where he’s traveled the world to bring attention to the plight of vulnerable young people dealing with some of life’s greatest adversities.

“Children are innocent,” Pau says. “They need people that care about them, to give them the means and opportunities. In a lot of countries in this world, they need people that are more fortunate to look out for them.”

In his mission to promote child survival and development programs around the globe, he has visited South Africa, Angola, Chad, Ethiopia and Syrian refugee camps in Iraq.

During an interview inside the Chicago Bulls training facility, Pau told Mike Walter, “All these kids are in very difficult situations, around the world, and I’ve had a chance to see and experience it myself with my very own eyes and it’s made a big impact, obviously, in my life.”

Pau Gasol: Empowering Young People

In 2013, Pau, along with his NBA-playing brother Marc, created the Gasol Foundation. It’s dedicated to empowering young people to live healthier lives by increasing physical activity.

In 2013, Pau, along with his NBA-playing brother Marc, created the Gasol Foundation. It’s dedicated to empowering young people to live healthier lives by increasing physical activity.

“We really want to help kids grow up healthier with exercise and healthy nutrition,” Pau said.

He also raised $24,000 for UNICEF’s fundraising efforts supporting victims in the Philippines who were devastated by the 2013 Super Typhoon Haiyan. He pledged a thousand dollars for every point he scored in a basketball game.

Find out what drives this inspirational athlete’s compassion and humility in this Full Frame exclusive.

Follow Pau on Twitter: @paugasol