Yao to donate money, create foundation to aid earthquake victims

HOUSTON -- Rockets center Yao Ming said he will donate $2 million and create a foundation to rebuild Chinese schools devastated by last month's earthquake in his home country.

Yao announced Tuesday the creation of the Yao Ming Foundation, which will begin with his donation.

Yao said the foundation will help raise funds to build earthquake-resistant schools in China. But some of the money from U.S. charities would also go to school-building efforts in the United States.

"As everyone knows about the recent tragedy in China, the earthquake tragedy was the worst in history," Yao said. "For this reason, I am working to give back funds."

He said rebuilding will take many years and he plans to make further donations and raise public awareness about the earthquake victims.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

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