Yao Ming made a member of Laureus World Sports Academy
SHANGHAI - Chinese legend Yao Ming has been inducted into the prestigious Laureus World Sports Academy.
The Academy is a unique collection of the world's greatest living sportsmen and sportswomen who have all dedicated themselves to changing the world through the power of sport.
Members of the Academy volunteer their time to support the work undertaken by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which uses sport to improve the lives of young people around the world.
Since its inception, Laureus has raised more than €60 million for projects around the globe, which have helped to improve the lives of millions of young people - with more than 150 projects currently underway in some 34 different nations.
Yao is no stranger to the Academy, since more than a decade ago he was honoured with the Laureus Newcomer of the Year Award, in recognition of his impact on the game in the NBA and beyond.
THE LAUREUS SPIRIT OF SPORT AWARD GOES TO @YaoMing !! #LWSA15 pic.twitter.com/m4MdSmFHHX
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) April 15, 2015
Speaking after the announcement of his induction at the 16th Laureus World Sports Awards which were held at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, the 34-year-old outlined his ambitions as the newest Laureus Academy Member.
He said: "I don't want to do anything in big movements. I think we can't always pursue the end goal or score, we need to focus on the process and the detail - we will achieve great things."
Yao was introduced to the Academy alongside another sporting legend in Sachin Tendulkar, who is renowned as the greatest cricketer of the modern generation.
With @YaoMing and @TeglaLoroupe - wonderful meeting them at @LaureusSport #laureusawards pic.twitter.com/YFztoFVIUz
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 14, 2015
The duo became the 51st and 52nd members of the Laureus Academy.
After inducting the two sporting superstars, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy and Olympic legend Edwin Moses, was quick to heap praise on the pair.
"On behalf of the Laureus World Sports Aacademy, I would like to welcome Sachin Tendulkar and Yao Ming," he said.
"Laureus is delighted to have two such illustrious sporting legends as new members of the Laureus Family.
"Sachin is one of the greatest cricketers of all time and Yao Ming is one of those people who is a sporting legend, but who also shows a greater commitment than simply what happens in the sports hall."
FIBA