How Toronto Raptor Serge Ibaka escaped poverty in the Republic of the Congo to become an NBA sensation.
Serge Ibaka’s story begins in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, a far stretch from the fast-paced, glamorous life of an NBA superstar. For Serge Ibaka, a childhood of poverty and struggle would be the driving force behind his motivation to succeed. In fact, it is in these humble beginnings that the Toronto Raptors’ power forward discovered his greatness.
The streets of the Congo are much like those of any third-world country: poverty-stricken and filled with adversities. Ibaka has shared memories of his harsh upbringing, one that includes children like himself suffering from malnutrition and selling water on the streets just to support themselves and their families — and often that was not enough. For those of us living in Western countries, these visuals and stories remind us the value of life and how fortunate we are to have basic necessities such as water, food and shelter.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE FIRST AND LAST OF ITS KIND
After speaking with four creatives and visionaries behind No. 7 Dale residences, a united thought emerged: The city’s never seen a project like this before
SAVING FASHION, SAVING THE WORLD
Author, photographer, curator and activist Bonnie Young is well-known for her designer clothing, which has adorned stars and models such as Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid and Priyanka Chopra. Her designs are often splashed on the pages of Vogue, NYT and Harper’s Bazaar. But now, she’s made a commitment to using only fabrics and textiles in her collections that are destined for landfill, proving that upcycled fabrics can be just as fresh and inspiring as the original rolls — without taking a toll
VENTURING OUT WITH VERONICA
From her early days interning at New York’s most coveted magazines to now running her own global communications consultancy and strategic advisory agency, there’s nothing but stars in Veronica Speck’s future
THE WORLD IS YOURS, NICKY JAM
A few months before the start of his new world tour, reggaeton star Nicky Jam reflects on his life story of success, downfall and redemption
MONEY SCREAMS, WEALTH WHISPERS
Sh. The secret’s out. Ultra-luxury lifestyle consultant Jaclyn Sienna India shares the latest trends and hidden gems inside the lives of the extremely wealthy, and Dolce took some notes
THE NAME'S BOULUD, CHEF DANIEL BOULUD
From his eponymous French brasserie at the Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville, Toronto, Daniel Boulud shares the stories of working as a young chef in Lyon and how it has informed the restaurant’s modern yet classically inspired menu today
HOW TO DRESS YOUR HOME WITH SEASONED DESIGNER JANIE MOLSTER
Dolce spoke with interior designer Janie Molster from her home in North Carolina about her philosophy when it comes to dressing your home your way, filtered through a lens of irreverent design and boho flair
FOR THE DRIVE
Every year, luxury cars gather in the town of Grimsby to take part in the Sessanta Miglia. Its co-founder, Robert Hattin, explains how they’re driving for change
HOME SWEET HOME: Tricon Residential builds on a solid legacy by investing in culture, community and connectivity to reimagine rental living across North America
Owning more than 31,000 single- and multi-family homes and apartments in the U.S. and Canada has made Tricon an acknowledged leader in the rental housing market
1515: BOSA PROPERTIES AND ARCHITECT OLE SCHEEREN BRINGING INNOVATIVE 3-D LIVING TO VANCOUVER
The distinctive design, with horizontal elements introduced into a vertical building, will make 1515 Alberni Street one of the landmark structures in perhaps the world’s most beautiful natural urban setting
