INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Luol Deng has never once forgotten home. Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys . He has spent much of his adult life trying to give back to his native South Sudan, the war-torn African nation the Cavaliers forward and his family fled when he was a young boy. And while Dengs contributions have touched many, he knows the work will never end. "I wish I could wake up tomorrow and nobody needs help," Deng said. "But we all know thats not going to happen. Im just happy to be in the position that Im in to be able to do the things that Im able to do." On Tuesday, Deng was commended for his compassion and dedication when he was named the winner of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, given annually to an NBA player, coach or trainer for outstanding community service. Deng has had a long commitment to philanthropic work in South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011 but has been ravaged by ethnic violence. The two-time All-Star, who came to Cleveland in a trade from Chicago in January, recently recorded a public service announcement for EnoughProject.org, urging peace in his homeland. In a video directed at the nations youth, Deng says, "Look around you, and reach out. Make peace among those who are fighting. Forgive one another and encourage others to forgive. Build trust with people who fear each other. You are young, and if you are wise, you will build bridges with people your age that will last a lifetime." The video is a small sample of Dengs attempts to help others. The 29-year-old also has established The Luol Deng Foundation, a global non-profit organization using basketball as a platform to bring hope to those less fortunate in Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. His work in Africa has focused on the construction of outdoor courts and initiatives to bring together local communities. His charity work in the U.S. has been focused primarily on his two NBA homes -- Chicago and Cleveland. He has funded holiday events in the cities, providing meals and toys to the needy. He has served as a mentor to the "Lost Boys of Sudan" and supported the NBAs "Basketball Without Borders" program. Deng is the third Cleveland player to win the award, joining Austin Carr (1979-80) and Eric Snow (2004-05). He also joins an illustrious list of past winners, including Dave Bing, Isiah Thomas, Julius Erving, Magic Johnson, Dikembe Mutombo, David Robinson, Kevin Garnett and Steve Nash. The award is named after the leagues second commissioner. Dengs journey to pro stardom is almost unbelievable. One of nine children, he and his family left Sudan and lived as refugees in Egypt before going to England. Cavs coach Mike Brown was fully aware of Dengs background before the forward came to Cleveland. Brown was thrilled that Deng was honoured. "Its well-deserved," Brown said after practice. "From what hes come from and his life experience is off the charts. He told me about it and I was touched. To see where he is now, and for him to know my job is not done, I was one of the fortunate ones. Because of where I am, I have a platform to help bring awareness for others. "Its a remarkable thing. I dont know how he does it. You applaud him. Obviously, you applaud his parents for raising him the way they did. Its an amazing story. I would be surprised if his life story doesnt turn into a Hollywood movie deal someday. Its that special." Deng finds greater reward in helping others. "Its one of those things when I talk to my parents about it, theyll be very proud," said Deng, who has been slowed by a sore back. "I dont have any kids, but its one of those things where, when you have a kid and your kid calls home and tells the parents what award he won, theyll be proud that theyve done a good job. "Its all about helping other people and just doing what makes you happy in life." Wholesale NFL Jerseys China . -- Cole De Vries had a couple of key strikeouts during what could have been the inning that doomed him to defeat against the Kansas City Royals, allowing him to escape further damage and keep the game tied up. Discount NFL Jerseys . Others describe it as taking the parrot for a walk.New York, NY - Toronto outfielder Jose Bautista has moved into the lead for all American League vote-getters in the latest balloting results for the 2014 All-Star Game. Bautista has received 2,135,223 votes to vault past Angels outfielder Mike Trout for the overall top spot. Trout had held the lead each of the past two weeks and is second overall with 1,945,170 votes. The third starting outfield spot is currently held by Torontos Melky Cabrera with 1,096,784 votes. Baltimores Adam Jones is more than 270,000 votes behind. Detroits Miguel Cabrera continues a healthy lead at first base with 1,477,420 votes, well in front of Chicago rookie Jose Abreus total of 845,059. Oakland third baseman Josh Donaldson has 1,470,544 votes and owns the widdest margin in the AL with a lead of more than 740,000 votes over Tampa Bays Evan Longoria. China NFL Jerseys. New Yorks Derek Jeter still leads at shortstop with 1,376,054 votes, more than 160,000 votes in front of Chicagos Alexei Ramirez, while Seattle second baseman Robinson Cano has 1,111,880 votes and is comfortably ahead of Ian Kinsler of Detroit. Baltimore catcher Matt Wieters has 1,235,369 votes and is well ahead of New Yorks Brian McCann, while Orioles designated hitter Nelson Cruz still maintains a strong advantage over Bostons David Ortiz. The All-Star Game is scheduled for July 15 at Target Field in Minneapolis. Voting will conclude July 3. The All-Star teams will be revealed the weekend of July 5-6. ' ' '