Sorrowful Yao Ming appeals for quake relief aid
BEIJING (AFP) — Sporting idol Yao Ming has said that his sorrow over the earthquake in his native China is too deep for words as he and other elite athletes and sports teams swing behind relief efforts.
The Houston Rockets centre has pledged two million yuan (300,000 dollars) in aid for victims and has launched a worldwide appeal for more donations after Monday's 7.9-magnitude quake, which has left an estimated 50,000 people dead.
"It is very hard putting into words how difficult it is to see this kind of destruction in Sichuan," Yao, recuperating from injury in Texas, said in a statement posted on the NBA team's website.
"I am very saddened to hear of the large loss of life that has occurred. My thoughts are with everyone back in my home country of China during this very dark and emotional time."
Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said the franchise has forged a strong bond with China over the years and has pledged an undisclosed sum in aid, while players and fans were also donating funds.
"I call on more people all over the world to join our effort for the earthquake victims," Yao said.
Yao is among a number of Chinese Olympians who have supported rescue efforts, including Liu Xiang, the world and defending Olympic 110m hurdles champion.
Liu and his manager Sun Haiping have donated 500,000 yuan between them at a donation drive held by China's Olympic teams on Wednesday, according to media reports.
Other donations from the sports world include 980,000 yuan from the Chinese table tennis team and one million yuan from the gymnastics squad.
China's State General Administration of Sport, which runs all sports teams, has donated five million yuan and the International Olympic Committee has pledged seven million.
Donations have also flooded in from overseas.
