Yao Ming: The flag bearer for the host

(BEIJING, August 7) -- Star basketball player Yao Ming will hold China's national flag during the Opening Ceremony of Beijing 2008 tomorrow night.

Cui Dalin, the Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport, made the announcement to journalists at a press conference in the Main Press Center today.

Cui Dalin, the Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport

Cui said the Chinese delegation was very careful with its choice since a flag bearer should symbolize China's sporting spirit. So only those with a high sporting caliber, excellent ethics and a positive public image were considered.

Yao Ming holding China's national flag

Yao, who plays center for China's national basketball team and the NBA's Houston Rockets, donated a large amount of money to the victims of the Sichuan earthquake, thus making him the perfect flag bearer.