School funded by NBA superstar breaks ground in Gansu

A primary school jointly funded by ex NBA superstar Yao Ming’s aptly named Yao Foundation and Stanley Agriculture Group broke ground in Dingxi, Gansu province on Saturday.

The star, along with representatives from Stanley Agriculture Group and the China Youth Development Foundation attended a groundbreaking ceremony on the day.

“We will keep on making efforts to support the education in poor areas to help more kids create a better future,” said Yao during a speech at the ceremony.

Yao Ming and the foundation have made great efforts in supporting Gansu’s youth development, according to local authorities in Gansu. In 2010, the Yao Foundation made a donation of 2.5 million yuan ($370,900) to support a special school in Jiuquan, Gansu.

So far, the Yao Foundation has supported the construction of 22 schools in China, benefiting more than 10,000 students. It has also helped local primary schools to improve facilities.

Initiated in 2008, the Yao Foundation was established under the structure of the China Youth Development Foundation. It has devoted itself to the wellbeing and development of Chinese youth, primarily with regards to education, health, environmental protection and volunteerism.

Yao Ming (center) and representatives from Stanley Agriculture Group and the China Youth Development Foundation take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a primary school in Gansu’s Dingxi city on Oct 15. [Photo/gansu.gscn.com]

Yao delivers a speech at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new primary school in Gansu’s Dingxi city. [Photo/gansu.gscn.com]

A new primary in Gansu province gives Stanley Agriculture Group, one of the school’s funders, a calligraphy art work as a gift. [Photo/gansu.gscn.com]

Edited by Jacob Hooson