Yao Foundation

Charity Overview

Yao Foundation was established by well-known basketball player Yao Ming in 2008 to support reconstruction work in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan, Sichuan Province. It is a specialised fund which focuses on education, building self-esteem and improving the health conditions for vulnerable, underprivileged children across China.

YAO Foundation Hope Primary School Basketball Season was set up in 2012 as a public welfare programme, which aims to enhance both the mental and physical health of teenagers residing in underprivileged areas, in China. The programme teaches participants key team-building skills using basketball as a vehicle. Since its inception, 320,000 Chinese young people have been involved in the programme from 25 provinces across the country. Most importantly, the programme helps these young people to build self-confidence and acquire social and sporting skills which will be crucial for their future development.