Yao to dedicate more time to helping schools

Former NBA star Yao Ming said he wants to be more than just a philanthropist who raises money. He wants to volunteer more of his time to good causes.

After attending the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in March, where he was a member of the CPPCC National Committee, the sporting superstar stayed for a fortnight, for instance, with students at the Sela Marriott - Yao Foundation Hope Primary School in the Ganzi Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Sichuan province, located at 4,000 meters above the sea level in Southwest China.

He said he really enjoyed getting to know the young people, many of whom are from Tibetan farmer or herdsman families.

But the country's most renowned player said he was also saddened by the fact that left behind by their migrant parents, the children had very few extracurricular activities after school.

"Without their parents around, they might get into trouble. Playing basketball might help them to find something to do after school," he told China Daily.

His own Yao Foundation has helped more than 10,000 young people at 18 Hope Primary Schools, and one special education school.

In 2012, the foundation initiated the Yao Foundation Hope Primary School Basketball Season program, which between 2012 and 2014 involved 151,500 players. Besides teaching basketball skills, it aims to help students build self-confidence and sportsmanship.

The foundation has just signed its second three-year cooperation agreement with global hotel giant Marriott International, focusing on fostering education in rural China.

Marriott will offer 8 million yuan ($1.29 million) to establish four new Hope Schools, and fund basketball activities at all the Hope Schools established by the Yao Foundation.

Marriott's fund-raising activities, along with its business partners and clients, have generated more than 5 million yuan for the foundation, establishing two Hope Schools in Sichuan province and supporting two basketball seasons.

"Our collaboration with the Yao Foundation resonates with the core values that have sustained our company for more than eight decades. We open doors to a world of opportunity," said Simon Cooper, Marriott International's president and managing director for Asia Pacific.

"Together with the Yao Foundation, we strive to keep on creating opportunities for the children of rural China. Providing education is the key."

Yao said: "Supporting education for children is a tremendous mission and Marriott International is a wonderful partner, as it has also encouraged its associates, business partners and customers to get involved in our program. We look forward to doing more on children education in rural China with Marriott International."

wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn