http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/epaper/2014-07/11/content_17727510.htm
It’s great to see (and be part of) the tremendous progress of the young athletes (especially girls) in China, as the years of persistent training, competition, and learning from athletes from around the world, is beginning to pay off.
I spend a great deal of time in China working in regards to basketball, afterschool training programs for Chinese youth, in which we invite retired NBA players to come to China so that the Chinese youth can “learn from the pros”, how to play the game of basketball at an ever-increasing level.
Basketball has virtually become a national pastime for the Chinese youth, especially in following and becoming fans of the NBA. There are market surveys that show approximately 750 million basketball fans in mainland China alone!!! Not that all of these fans are excellent basketball players, but they love the game, and are willing and wanting to be part of it in whatever capacity they can be.
I’m so happy to see Natalie Chou become the first Chinese-American to play for team USA in the FIBA Under 17 World Championship. I think that you’ll see more and more Chinese hoopsters start to play at various levels (high school, NCAA, NBA and WNBA) in the oncoming years.
Sports is one of the “common denominators” that people, cultures and countries from all around the world can share in, build relationships with and build goodwill for the sake of everyone involved.
All the best to you Natalie and to all of you young Chinese hoopsters following in her footsteps!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
