SACRAMENTO - Former Kings center Vlade Divac returned to Sacramento on Thursday to take part in a partnership with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.
Divac retired with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005, but played six of his 17 NBA seasons in Sacramento and was an All-Star in 2001. He will attend Friday's game at Sleep Train Arena, where his retired jersey hangs from the rafters, as the Kings host the San Antonio Spurs.
The Kings fundraising and public awareness campaign with UNICEF runs the whole month of March with the goal of raising $50,000."When the Kings called me and asked me to take part in their partnership with UNICEF, I was honored," said Divac. "I've seen firsthand how much clean water can make a difference on the lives of children who need it."
768 million people around the world don't have safe, clean water to drink and 2.5 billion don't have access to proper toilet facilities.
"I had an experience in China with my foundation where we helped bring water to a school," said Divac. "The world should be aware that we have to take care of the planet to make sure that clean water is distributed to the kids."
Divac is helping to spread the message that for as little as $5, UNICEF can give one child safe drinking water for 200 days.
Since retiring, Divac returned to his homeland of Serbia and serves as the President of the Olympic Committee. He said he plans to return to California once his service ends next year and would seek a front office position with an NBA team.
