Dallas Mavericks superstar point guard Luka Doncic pledged to cover the funeral expenses for nine people killed during a mass shooting at a Belgrade elementary school this week, and he plans to also provide more long-term assistance at a later date. In addition, Doncic said he will provide grief counseling for the students at the Serbian school.
Doncic’s father, Sasha, is a native of Serbia, along with numerous other family members.
On Wednesday, a 13-year-old student opened fire on his classmates at Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.
Doncic took to Twitter today to share his feelings.
“I am heartbroken by the tragic school shooting in Serbia and the loss of lives, including those of innocent children,” Doncic tweeted. “My thoughts are with the families and the entire community affected by this tragedy. Belgrade, I support and stand with you all during this difficult time.”
Doncic also pledged support from The Luka Doncic Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of children. Doncic tweeted that, through his foundation, he is “exploring both immediate and long-term ways to support the students, faculty, and families affected by the shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School.”
The 24-year-old concluded his Twitter statement by tweeting: “I am committed, and I will continue to share updates and ways to support as details become available. #StandWithBelgrade.”
This is not the first time Doncic has offered support after a mass shooting. During a Christmas Day game against the LA Lakers, the Mavs guard spent time with two Uvalde school shooting survivors and their siblings before the game.
Doncic plans to enlist the help of his fellow NBA brethren to assist in more ways to help the families and staff members at Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School.
Belgrade, I support and stand with you all during this difficult time. Through @LD77Foundation I am exploring both immediate and long-term ways to support the students, faculty, and families affected by the shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School.
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) May 4, 2023
I am committed and I will continue to share updates and ways to support as details become available. #StandWithBelgrade
— Luka Doncic (@luka7doncic) May 4, 2023
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