Yao Ming Runs Youth Sports Program And Calls For More Sports In Schools

Former NBA player Yao Ming "would like to see a bigger push for sports in Chinese schools," according to Sun Xiaochen of the CHINA DAILY. The "first phase of his own efforts" came to an end Saturday as the inaugural Yao Foundation Hope Primary School Basketball Season concluded in Leshan Stadium. The charitable program reached almost 27,000 students from 47 primary schools in 17 different cities throughout the country. A total of 360 representatives gathered in Leshan, Sichuan province last week to attend the event's final stage, which featured a four-day camp, after-school activities and a mini tournament. The program was supported by NBA Cares and China Youth Development Foundation, and NBA L.A. Clippers F Caron Butler was also "brought in to participate." Yao, however, said that "much work remains." Yao: "The development of school sports activities in China remains small. Sports still lag far behind studies in terms of importance in students' school lives. Sports should play a much bigger role in school life for kids than it does now" (CHINA DAILY, 8/27).