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by
Herman Lau
Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, Wang Zhizhi, and Sun Yue are four current and
former NBA basketball players we should look up to as role models.
Wang Zhizhi, the first NBA player from China, left to go back home
to apologize for his mistakes and then represented his country
for the World Tournament in 2006 and Beijing Olympics in 2008. The
other three continue in the NBA showing that hard work to improve
their skills is as important as height to become successful. Since
there are very few Chinese people publicized in the American media
or famous outside of China, we look upon these sports stars for
inspiration.
Yao
Ming especially stands out with his experience and superb basketball
playing skills. He is the world's most celebrated and recognized
Asian athlete from the most populous nation, China. With his
sponsorship deals his face is everywhere and he is popular with both
Chinese and non-Chinese fans. He plays center for the Houston
Rockets and has broken many stereotypes about Asians, and quieted
critics along the way.
Just as important as his on court skills is his off court
philanthropy. Yao Ming has participated in many charity events to
help his native country. He was in a charity basketball event to
raise money for underprivileged people in China. He hosted telethons
to raise money for SARS. He donated 2 million dollars of his own
money to help the Sichuan earthquake victims.
With
his continued rise in the NBA, Yao has been a role model for his
values such as hard work, respect, loyalty and humility. Yao is not
just a great role model for Asians but for all young people around
the world. Most importantly, he is a real life example for Asians of
all ages to not only become the best they can be but to give back to
society and those less fortunate.
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