Yao Ming gives back by establishing foundation

(BEIJING, June 11) -- NBA All-Star center Yao Ming announced at a press conference on June 10 the launch of The Yao Ming Foundation, which will assist children in China and the USA under the sponsorship of The Giving Back Fund.

The foundation's first project is to build earthquake-resistant schools in China, a response to the devastating earthquake that hit Yao's home country on May 12. Yao Ming himself donated two millions U.S. dollars and called on others to follow his lead.

"It is very hard to put into words how difficult it is to see this kind of destruction," said Yao at the press conference. "My thoughts and actions are now focused on helping to rebuild the schools that were destroyed in this tragedy and I hope that others around the world will join in our efforts."

NBA stars Steve Nash, Baron Davis, Greg Oden, Raymond Felton, Andris Biedrins, Marko Jaric and Marcus Williams along with WNBA player Diana Taurasi have made donations to the foundation.

Houston Mayor Bill White presented more than $100,000 collected from companies and private contributors from Houston to the foundation. "Houston has shown it has a big heart, and helping to build new schools for people so devastated by the earthquake in China demonstrates it again," said Mayor White. "We're proud to work with Yao Ming and generous contributors to make it happen."

"Yao Ming is fully committed to helping the people of China recover from this tragedy," said Houston Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander who has contributed more than $100,000 through The Clutch City Foundation. "I am pleased to assist him with his goal of rebuilding the schools that were destroyed and I commend him on his quick response to this terrible event."

According to estimates, rebuilding a high quality school for 300 students in China requires approximately $100,000; setting up a temporary classroom with desks and chairs only cost $3,500.

Yao will pay for the running cost of his foundation so that all donations can go directly to disaster relief. More information about supporting the foundation and helping the people of Sichuan is available at the foundation's website, theyaomingfoundation.org.