Yao Ming to lead his Sharks in Philippines  

姚明將率籃球隊訪問菲律賓 原定去年未能成行

菲律賓體育委員會主席加西亞2日向媒體透露，中國籃球巨星姚明即將率領上海東方大鯊魚籃球隊訪問菲律賓。

Manila (CNS) -- Retired NBA player Yao Ming will lead the Shanghai Sharks on a visit to the Philippines, sports commission chairman Richie Garcia said Thursday.

The basketball team is to arrive in Manila on Friday, while the team's owner Yao Ming is to follow the next day, Garcia said. Two exhibition games will be held, he added.

Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay said he would rearrange his schedule to welcome Yao at his Coconut Palace office.

Pan Feng, cultural attaché of the Chinese embassy in the Philippines, told reporters that the visit is a big event for non-governmental communication between China and the Philippines, and that he hopes the Philippine people will feel the friendship and goodwill of the Chinese people.