HOUSTON: Yao Ming has set up a foundation with a $2-million donation to rebuild schools in the earthquake-devastated areas of Sichuan province.

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming listens as Houston Mayor Bill White speaks during a press conference for The Yao Ming Foundation benefiting earthquake victims in China, Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at the Toyota Center in Houston. [Agencies]

The foundation will help raise funds to build quake-resistant schools, the Houston Rockets' center said on Tuesday. Some of the money from US charities will be used to build schools in the US too.

"Everyone knows about the recent tragedy in China, the earthquake tragedy was the worst in history," said the NBA star. "For this reason, I am working to give back funds."

The Giving Back Fund, a philanthropic organization that provides mentoring and management services to athletes, entertainers and other high-profile individuals, is organizing the funds.

"It is very hard to put into words how difficult it is to see this kind of destruction," Yao said. "My thoughts and actions are now focused on helping rebuild the schools that were destroyed in this tragedy and I hope that others around the world will join in our efforts."

More than 185 schools and 8,000 classrooms were destroyed in the May 12 earthquake. A donation of $100,000 can rebuild a permanent school for about 300 students, while $3,500 can help build a prefabricated classroom with desks and chairs for 50 students.

Since it will take a long time to rebuild all the schools, Yao plans to donate more and raise public awareness worldwide about the quake victims.

Yao appears in a public service announcement (PSA) sponsored by the Red Cross and the NBA. In one PSA, aired during Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals, Yao asked for donations and other material aid for the quake victims.

"Yao Ming is fully committed to helping the people of China recover from this tragedy," said Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander. "I am pleased to help him with his goal of rebuilding the schools and I commend him on his quick response to this terrible event."

The Houston Rockets will donate $100,000 to Yao's foundation, said Rockets general manager Daryl Morey.