Yao Ming at ISB
ISB’s network of external partnerships soared to new heights on June 5, 2015 when Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming visited the school to help train youngsters aspiring to follow in his giant footsteps. The towering superstar led drills with around 50 boys and girls in the NBA Yao School, an after-school activity launched at ISB earlier this year.
Following the training session, the former Houston Rockets center participated in a dialogue led by three of the school’s own stars from the boys and girls varsity basketball teams: Alexei Mojeiko, Billy Zhou, and Sabrina Tee.
“It’s not enough to succeed by yourself; you have to succeed as a team. This requires trust between you and your teammates, while also making sacrifices. We all have to make our contributions before we think about what we can get,” said Yao, the tallest active player in the NBA from 2002 to 2011.
Yao also spoke about one of ISB’s core values, service, and the rewards philanthropy had given him since his playing days came to an end.
“Some people think about charity in terms of how much money or resources you can donate, which of course is good,” he said. “But if you take it to the next level, it’s about how much heart you put in. Time is a great equalizer; we all have 24 hours in a day. People who donate their time can make big changes through their experience.”
Yao closed with an inspiring message that drew strong applause. As ISB’s seniors prepare to take the next step of their lives, he encouraged them, along with all students, to always believe in the giant within.
“Confidence comes from your own experiences at school and in future. Confidence can go up and down, but with principles, courage, and heart, your confidence will guide to wherever you want to go in life,” he said.
~Article written by ISB Communications Department
Following the training session, the former Houston Rockets center participated in a dialogue led by three of the school’s own stars from the boys and girls varsity basketball teams: Alexei Mojeiko, Billy Zhou, and Sabrina Tee.
“It’s not enough to succeed by yourself; you have to succeed as a team. This requires trust between you and your teammates, while also making sacrifices. We all have to make our contributions before we think about what we can get,” said Yao, the tallest active player in the NBA from 2002 to 2011.
Yao also spoke about one of ISB’s core values, service, and the rewards philanthropy had given him since his playing days came to an end.
“Some people think about charity in terms of how much money or resources you can donate, which of course is good,” he said. “But if you take it to the next level, it’s about how much heart you put in. Time is a great equalizer; we all have 24 hours in a day. People who donate their time can make big changes through their experience.”
Yao closed with an inspiring message that drew strong applause. As ISB’s seniors prepare to take the next step of their lives, he encouraged them, along with all students, to always believe in the giant within.
“Confidence comes from your own experiences at school and in future. Confidence can go up and down, but with principles, courage, and heart, your confidence will guide to wherever you want to go in life,” he said.
~Article written by ISB Communications Department
