Yao and Family Celebrate Mom's Birthday

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The Yao Ming Foundation

Improving the lives of children in the U.S. and China.

The Yao Ming Foundation was established in June of 2008 by international NBA Star Yao Ming in response to the devastating 8.0 earthquake in Sichuan Province, China on May 12, 2008. An 8.0 earthquake is the equivalent to energy released from 790 nuclear bombs. More than 8,000 schoolrooms and 185 schools were destroyed during the earthquake.

The Yao Ming Foundation also supports additional educational opportunities in the US and China.

Yao Ming and Ye Li have committed to paying the Foundation's administrative costs so that 100% of any contribution from the public is directed to the charitable cause.

As Yao Ming retires, China celebrates his legacy

Tributes pour in for the NBA star and goodwill ambassador who has brought glory to China on and off the court. His exit from the world stage leaves a void in Beijing's international charm campaign.

July 21, 2011: By David Pierson, Los Angeles Times
Reporting from Beijing — Hobbled by leg and foot injuries, Yao Ming surprised no one when he confirmed his retirement from basketball Wednesday in his birthplace of Shanghai to a live global television audience.

Fans across China commemorated the bittersweet news by posting streams of gratitude online and tuning in to a five-hour special on state television lionizing the sports star who brought glory to the nation on and off the court.