Yao Ming

Chinese basketball star Yao Ming has been named a member of the Earthshot Prize Council. The award was instituted by the United Kingdom's Prince William on October 10. 

Yao, a former Houston Rockets player, was elected chair of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) in 2017, where he is involved in the reform of the sport's management in China.

Besides, his Yao Ming Foundation is involved in building schools in impoverished areas.

The 50-million-pound ($66 million) Earthshot Prize is meant for innovative projects to minimize the damage to the earth and environment. It will be awarded each year for the next 10 years.

Jack Ma, founder of e-commerce giant Alibaba and 10 other leading figures from the fields of the environment, philanthropy, business, sports and entertainment are also on the council.