Yao.in

Vinnie Jones, Patsy Kensit, and Laureus World Sports Academy member and fellow countryman Deng Yaping, were on hand to present the award to Yao Ming. Yao Ming captained an incredible first season for the Houston Rockets with a start in the All-Star game.

He unfortunately, could not join us today in Monaco, as he is on a trip home, however he accepted his Award from China.

(Translated) "I would like to thank the Laureus World Sports Academy for this award. This award is not only for me, I would like to share it with my Chinese trainer, my American trainer, my team and also my fans, which I would like to thank for all their support. Finally, I have to say thank you to my agency team, Mao, for all their hard work."

Source: Winners Archive | Laureus