PORTLAND
, Ore. –
This offseason,
Lawrence Olum
is taking his first trip home to Nairobi, Kenya in well over a year. But this isn’t just any trip home for the Timbers midfielder. While rest and home cooking are at the forefront of his mind, so is bringing back new opportunities for youth in his hometown.
Growing up, Lawrence didn’t have many opportunities to play organized soccer, let alone a play with a standard soccer ball. But through determination, imagination and a bit of creativity, he and those who were passionate about playing soccer in his community found away to enjoy the game. Those experiences Lawrence had as a kid playing soccer, using make-shift soccer balls and playing without boots, are about to change for some.
Supported by the Timbers’ Community Outreach Department, Lawrence returned home earlier this week with boxes of used soccer gear, balls and Timbers apparel to help outfit and aid local youth soccer organizations in his hometown. His outreach efforts will provide kids an opportunity to develop soccer’s fundamentals with proper equipment – something he didn’t have as a kid.
“We are proud to support youth-focused initiatives both in Portland and in the communities from which our players come,” said
Sierra Smith
, manager of community outreach for the Timbers. “We recognize the fact that children around the world face a wide variety of challenges, and we are passionate about supporting programs that benefit youth – especially as it relates to sports and promoting a healthy lifestyle.”
Lawrence’s trip home to Kenya wasn’t just about getting warm-weather rest and relaxation. It was also to spend time giving back to a sport that provided him an opportunity earn a college degree and become a professional athlete. It is a chance to help inspire the next generation of Kenyan soccer players. Lawrence will visit with family and friends in Kenya through the holidays and return to Portland in January.
Lawrence will enter his third season with the Timbers in 2009. In his first two seasons with Portland, he has scored six goals and recorded two assists in 44 games. He was first discovered by head coach Gavin Wilkinson at the 2006 USL Player Showcase following a standout collegiate career at Missouri Baptist University.
Stay tuned for updates and photos from Lawrence’s trip home to Kenya.
