姚明名人堂演讲中英文

Mr. John Doleeva, Hall of Fame Executive Committee, Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening.

When I heard that I was speaking first tonight, I thought that someone made a mistake. The first speaker should be the great Allen Iverson. I need practice more than he does.

First of all, I would like to thank you for giving me this great honor. Your recognition has made tonight a most memorable moment for me. Although perhaps my career ended too soon, for me I treasure each and every moment. I amgrateful for my time on the court, and for your recognition tonight.

I would like to thank my sponsors:

Bill Russell. I will never forget that you invited me to dinner at your house in Seattle when I was a young rookie. That evening, and all of your advice since, really built up my confidence and made me feel comfortable in a new country.

Bill Walton. You supported me all the way. Thank you for your advice and encouragement. You were the first one who called me when I woke up from my foot surgery. You told me to stay positive. I will never forget that.

Dikembe Mutombo. I put you last because you are the oldest of the three. We played together for 5 years and had so many memories on and off the court. Nothing can break the bond between us, not even all those elbows you gave me in practice.

As you know, I am from China and my journey began there.

My parents were basketball players back in the 1970’s. I heard so many great stories about them, about how they played and how good they were. More importantly, so many people know how good they are as people. I am very fortunate to be your son. The gift I had from you was not only height. It was much more. You taught me how to think, how to make decisions. And of course my soft

touch on the free throw line. Which is why I am about 10,000 free throws less than Shaq.

My wife Li. We met when we were high school age. You know how much you mean to me. Thank you for being my life partner. Our lovely daughter Amy is a treasure to both of us. We wish she could be here, but she is in her first week at school. And she has to live with the consequence of choosing soccer over basketball.

My basketball journey began on the back of coach Li Zhangmin's bicycle when he gave me a ride to my very first practice on the basketball court. I would like to congratulate you on a great career as you retire this year. So many kids have benefited from you and your work.

Coach Li Qiuping you were my coach at the Shanghai Sharks. You led us to the CBA championship, and never gave up on us, even when you lost your wifeto cancer that year. Thank you for your dedication and your sacrifices to us.

I want to thank the city of Shanghai, Shanghai Sharks and the CBA league did everything they could to prepare me. They raised me, trained me and helped me to be ready for the next challenges in my life.

There is old saying in China that if the mirror is made of bronze, one can dress properly, if the mirror is history, one can predict ups and downs, if the mirror is people, one can reflect on one's own weakness and strength. And now, I would like to mention a few mirrors in my life.

I want to mention Mr. Mou Zouyun. He was a basketball legend. Over 80 years ago, Mr. Mou came here to Springfield to study basketball. He went back to China and dedicated his life to Chinese basketball. T oday, the CBA Championship Cup is named after him. This cup is the life goal that every CBA player can dream of.

I am not the first Chinese man to play in the NBA. That honor belongs Wang