02 · Impact & speaking
Bringingthe game home
Resettled in the US as a refugee at two, he now builds courts for South Sudan's young people and speaks for people forced to flee.
UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador · July 27, 2026
The first basketball player in the role
“Becoming a refugee should only be a chapter in life, never be the end of your story.”
Wenyen Gabriel, on his appointment · UNHCR
The courts
Two of ten
He built the first court in Juba, the capital. In July 2026 he opened the second at Doro Refugee Camp in Maban County and ran a clinic for refugee and local youth. The goal is a court in each of South Sudan's ten states, and then academies.
- 300+
- young people at his first youth camp in Juba
- 4
- young coaches certified in Juba to run camps in Rumbek
“I got to see kids play basketball for the very first time, and it was such a joyful moment.”Anadolu Agency, Jul 28, 2026
Sources: Olympics.com, UNHCR, Borgen Magazine, Overseas Magazine
On the record
Geneva and beyond
- Jul 28, 2026
Palace of Nations, Geneva
He spoke to delegates and diplomats on the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. Overseas Magazine
- Jun 2025
UNHCR consultations, Geneva
He sat on the Sports & Art panel at the Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways. Watch
- Jul 2026
Maban County, South Sudan
On a UNHCR mission just before his appointment, he opened the Doro court and ran a youth clinic. UNHCR
Sport as a connector
“When you share a basketball court, you look at the person next to you and that is your brother.”
BBC Sport Africa, 2022Building from home
“I want the future Bright Stars to come directly from home.”
Overseas Magazine, 2026Press BBC Sport Africa Anadolu Agency Olympics.com Overseas Magazine UNHCR
Work with Wenyen
Speaking, appearances, partnerships
The direct line is a message on Instagram.
Also linked from his bio: RISE Management Group