Nicol David and Yao Ming exchanged ideas in Beijing on using sports and education to support children and expand community impact.
MALAYSIAN squash legend Datuk Nicol Ann David recently met former NBA player Yao Ming during a visit to Beijing, where the two discussed their efforts to support children through sports and education initiatives.
Sharing photographs from the meeting on Facebook, the eight-time world squash champion wrote: “It was an absolute honour to meet the legendary Yao Ming, former NBA star from China, during my visit to Beijing.”
David also highlighted the work carried out by the Yao Foundation in rural China.
“What is even more admirable is that he also has his own foundation, the Yao Foundation, which empowers children through sports in rural China. They have built 28 schools, implemented physical education programmes and impacted around 6.7 million children.”
She said they exchanged views about their respective foundations and shared their goals relating to children and sports development.
“We shared information about my own foundation, @nicoldavidorganisation, and how we are also hoping to create change in Malaysia through sports and education, while promoting the understanding that more children need to be active in order to become healthier, happier and have a more positive future.”
David added that her foundation, established four years ago, is expected to reach 5,000 children this year.
“My foundation is only four years old, but this year we will impact 5,000 children. One day, I hope to say we have impacted millions.”
