Abdul-Jabbar named US cultural ambassador

19 Jan 2012, 8:37 am   -   Source: AAP
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NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been named a global cultural ambassador by the US government.

NBA all-time scoring leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a legendary retired centre, has been named a global cultural ambassador by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Abdul-Jabbar, born Lew Alcindor before changing his name after leading Milwaukee to the 1971 NBA title, scored 38,387 points in 1560 games over a 20-year NBA career and was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1971 and 1985.

In a week-long trip to Brazil that starts on Sunday, Abdul-Jabbar will begin his new role to meet with young people and promote diplomacy and opportunities for greater cultural understanding between nations.

"I'm excited and honoured," Abdul-Jabbar said. "I really appreciate the opportunity. I remember when Louis Armstrong first did it back for President (John) Kennedy, one of my heroes, so it's nice to be following in his footsteps."

Abdul-Jabbar will participate in youth basketball clinics in Rio de Janeiro, host city of the 2016 Olympics, and Salvador, and stress education, social and racial tolerance, cultural understanding and sports as a means of empowerment.

"We're thrilled that you have agreed to do this," Clinton said. "I'm just very grateful to you for taking the time."

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