CHN - Yao to miss training camp

HOUSTON (2008 Beijing Olympic Games) - China star Yao Ming is to help open the 2007 Special Olympic World Games in his hometown of Shanghai this October.

The Houston Rockets have confirmed that Yao will miss the start of training camp for the new NBA season as he travels to China to take part in the events.

"As a Global Ambassador of Special Olympics, I was requested to participate and play a role in the opening ceremony of 2007 Special Olympics World Games in my hometown of Shanghai. I feel it is an obligation that I must meet," said Yao.

"I realise that missing the first few days of camp will put me behind my team-mates in learning our new coach's system, but I will work very hard to make sure that I do not hurt our team's progress as we prepare for the start of the new season."

Yao's participation will prove costly for the giant center, who must pay a fine for missing practice and media days under the terms of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement.

He will also miss out on the first practices to be led by new Houston coach Rick Adelman.

However, he will travel to China with the Rockets' blessing.

"This is a difficult situation for both our organisation and Yao given the importance of these initial practices," said Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey.

"Yao understands the value of being with his team at the start of training camp but considers this a vital obligation. Yao is an extraordinary player who is often asked for extraordinary service to his nation and home city."

FIBA