2016 Rio Olympics: Luol Deng Writes Basketball Funding Letter to British Prime Minister

Great Britian’s biggest basketball star, Luol Deng has delivered a hard-hitting letter to Prime Minister David Cameron over governmental funding to the sport.

The Chicago Bulls’ forward and two-time all-star has expressed his thoughts on the debate after funding from UK sport was cut in the aftermath of the Olympics.

According to Hoops Fix, last month Britain’s basketball teams were told they would not receive any funding for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. A cut of £8.5 million ($13.34 million American)

In his letter, Deng writes,

"“I along with thousands of other people involved with the game have put too much in and care too greatly to let this happen.”"

Deng has also expressed that the funding cuts to his home sport were

"“deeply upsetting and confusing at the least.”"

A campaigned called ‘Fund British basketball’ has started and has included an online petition to make the government notice. Deng has already signed.

British basketball will have an opportunity make an informal representation to UK sport on Wednesday.

The organization is considering filing a formal appeal to the Sport Dispute Resolution Panel, depending how the meeting on Wednesday goes.

According to the Guardian, the performance chairman of British basketball, Roger Moreland, said,

"“Luol’s support for us is massively important. He recognizes the value of funding, not just for the elite levels of sport but to carry on investing in grass roots and creating a route for young people to realize their dreams.”"

The British basketball team has qualified for the London Olympic games last year as the host nation.

You can view Deng’s letter below: