Li Na’s Houston Connections

Li Na (李娜) became the first player, male or female, from an Asian country to capture the French Open title, a Grand Slam tennis tournament, on June 4, 2011. This is an achievement of epic proportion, particularly for a country like the People’s Republic of China, where tennis lags behind in such sports as soccer, basketball, volley ball, ping-pong and even golf.

Her U.S. $1.756 million check is a far-cry from the measly allowance she received from the Chinese Tennis Federation when she trained at Newk’s in New Brunsfel near San Antonio in 1997. Back in those days, China could barely afford any luxury, as we are so accustomed to her extravaganza nowadays. Li Na would subsist on instant noodles during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. Local resident Frank Yu, learning of the plight of these Chinese juniors, would journey up to Newk’s and would billet them to his or friend’s homes. The homey surroundings and turkey dinners were always a relief from the boredom and homesickness at the tennis camp.

Of the many juniors staying at Frank’s, Wang Yu (王钰) and Li Zhe (李喆)topped PRC men’s ranking in 2006 and 2009 respectively. They all shared one thing in common. They would have their photos taken in front of a mounted sail fish. PRC consulate staff: M/M Fang Li, M/M Zhou Ding, Yu Boren, Chu Kaimin, Chen Guanqiao, Ran Qijun, et al. also posed in front of this mystic 96” tip-to-tail wall-mount. Li Na, you have Houston connections!

Frank Yu  

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Houston Yee 2011 Scholarship
Picnic/Fun Day At Brazos Bend State Park

Incredible Pizza with all you can eat and fair ground rides and games, rocking and rolling family entertainment had been Houston Yee Fung Toy Association (YFT) favorite choice for our summer activity. Then, bowling, followed by barbeque at Papa’s, wasn’t much far behind. These venues are indoor and air-conditioned. They provide fun and enjoyment for the young and a convenient place for the elders to reminisce episodes of yore. What about the college students and young adults? Their life-style and taste have yet been catered to or accommodated at these functions. They, nonetheless, hopefully will one day be filling in as officers of the Houston Chapter. It is to this ends that YFT Board decided to venture an outing to Brazos Bend State Park on August 6, 2011.

Brazos Bend State Park is a 4,897-acre site along the Brazos River in Needville. It is a haven for a diverse mix of native wildlife and plants covering an equally diverse range of ecosystems. Highlights of the Park's numerous inhabitants include over 300 species of resident and visiting migratory birds and mammals like white-tailed deer, nine-banded armadillos, foxes, raccoons, and North American river otters. The most noteworthy and popular residents of the park are the relatively large population of American alligators.

The Banquet Hall (capacity 150) with ceiling fans, air-conditioning, kitchen facilities, a barbecue pit, tables and chairs, and a restroom was rented as our headquarters with catered BBQ for lunch.

Alan led the way with a super mountain bike equipped with GPS while elder statesman Frank tagged along as the tail-end-Charlie. A 13-foot alligator blocked our way along the Spillway trail and we wisely yielded right of way to this resident attraction.

The observation tower served as the midway point for water stop. The scenery atop commanded a panoramic view of this Park, where we took a picture to reflect a sense of accomplishment for posterity.

David Chung offered grace to thank the Lord for bringing us together in this wonder and natural surroundings and he was promptly rewarded for being the raffle winner for 2 nights and 3 days at a Galveston condo, generously donated by Dorothy Yee. Despite the stretch of 100 degrees weather in the concrete jungle in Houston, Brazos Bend offered a relief of slightly lower temperatures in wilderness surroundings. Almost 60 people attended this function.

As always, Vickie Ong did a diligent and thorough job in screening out the scholarship applications. The 2011 Yee scholarship winners are Elizabeth Yee, Kevin Yee, Theresa Yee, Peter Yu, Christopher Yee and Hilary Woo.

The clean-up, disassembling of folding tables, stacking of chairs, disposing of trash and mopping of the dining hall were done in a flash by all volunteers, young and old. We restored the Banquet hall the same way we found it that morning. I am sure the park rangers will remember Yee Fung Toy Association of Houston.

I have been the President of this Houston Chapter for more than 15 years. I am glad that we made the right decision to venture into a unique place to hold our summer outing, where we can all enjoy and serve together. I am particularly proud of the spirit and willingness of these younger Yee generations. We are in good hands!

Frank Yu