"The key to the program is to teach children the spirit of teamwork, respect of the game and rules, perseverance and a self-challenging attitude to foster a well-rounded personality for children," said Yao, who registered at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to learn finance and management after retiring in 2011.

The school was Yao's first initiative in youth education, but it won't be the last such undertaking.

NBA China CEO David Shoemaker revealed that more such joint programs and events will be brought to fruition in the future.

About the broadcaster:

Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is also fluent in Korean.

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