NBA star, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and staunch advocate for those under oppressive communist rule…
Hi Friend,
Our Annual Awards Gala is rapidly approaching and preparations are well underway. I hope that you’ll join us there! If you haven’t done so yet, you can get your ticket HERE.Â
I’m excited to announce that Enes Kanter Freedom, human rights activist, NBA star, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, will receive the 2023 Gentleman of Distinction Award at IWF’s Annual Awards Gala in Washington, D.C. this October.
The Gentleman of Distinction Award celebrates a gentleman who is committed to protecting and defending our American ideals and works to create a stronger and healthier society. He exemplifies a commitment to respect and civil discourse, showing generosity and kindness to critics, while remaining steadfast in his beliefs.Â
As a young child, Mr. Freedom’s mom told him to “Believe in something and always stand up tall for it. Even if it means sacrificing everything you have.”
In the face of apparent retaliation by the National Basketball Association (NBA), Mr. Freedom has stood tall, stuck to his values, and continued to use his platform to be a xxxxxx against censorship, suppression, and tyrannical government.Â
Mr. Freedom’s NBA career looked a little different than fellow basketball stars. After 11 years, his time on the court started to dwindle after he started speaking out and advocating against China’s government and human rights violations.Â
He debuted his infamous “Anti-CCP” shoe collection during the 2021 season, while playing center for the Boston Celtics. Shortly after, the Celtics games were abruptly banned in China and Turkey. Coincidence? Freedom doesn’t think so. In February 2022 Freedom was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Houston Rockets, who inevitably waived him.Â
Despite the circumstances, Mr. Freedom is living up to his name — continuing to inspire others throughout the world to join his ranks in the fight for freedom, equal rights, and limited government.
We are thrilled to present the Gentleman of DistinctionAward to Enes Kanter Freedom on October 25, 2023. Don’t miss your chance to meet Enes and other honorees in person and celebrate the momentum and impact of our work together.
