Yao Ming named Houston Goodwill Ambassador

 　　HOUSTON, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Former NBA star Yao Ming was officially named Goodwill¹ Ambassador of the U.S. city of Houston Friday by the city's mayor at a ceremony here.

　　Yao, the former Rockets center who lived in Houston for ten years, was also given key to the city by Mayor Annise Parker at the ceremony in downtown Houston.

　　Yao was appointed as Houston's Goodwill Ambassador because of "the outstanding success" he has had as a professional basketball player for the Rockets since 2003 and the eight years he has participated in the All-Star Games, as well as the international connections he has fostered and the cultural enhancement he has brought to the Houston community, read an proclamation from Parker.

　　The title is also a recognition of the contributions Yao has made and is making "through unselfish public service for the benefit and welfare of humanity," the proclamation said.

　　"Houston has been enriched by your presence and is grateful for your dedication² to improving the cultural fabric³ of our city," it said.

　　Yao, who retired⁴ in 2011 after having played with the Rockets for nine seasons, was back in Houston from China for the NBA All-Star game as a judge of the Slam Dunk Contest.

1 goodwill   

n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉

参考例句：

• His heart is full of goodwill to all men.他心里对所有人都充满着爱心。
• We paid ￡10,000 for the shop,and ￡2000 for its goodwill.我们用一万英镑买下了这家商店，两千英镑买下了它的信誉。

2 dedication   

n.奉献，献身，致力，题献，献辞

参考例句：

• We admire her courage,compassion and dedication.我们钦佩她的勇气、爱心和奉献精神。
• Her dedication to her work was admirable.她对工作的奉献精神可钦可佩。

3 fabric   

n.织物，织品，布；构造，结构，组织

参考例句：

• The fabric will spot easily.这种织品很容易玷污。
• I don't like the pattern on the fabric.我不喜欢那块布料上的图案。

4 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。