Sorrowful Yao Ming appeals for quake relief aid

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

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...