NBA star Kobe Bryant of the Los Angels Lakers was honored Tuesday by a local Asian-American society for his commitment to creating goodwill and understanding between the United States and China.

Asia Society Southern California presented the MVP and captain of the 2009 NBA Champion the award of "Global Ambassador" at its annual gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

"I am honored to receive this award from the Asia Society," Bryant said. "It has been a privilege to work with so many young Chinese athletes, and young people around the globe."

"Sports truly is a universal language, and bringing together the youth of China and the United States through basketball is extremely rewarding," he added.

Liu Peng, head of China's General Administration of State Sports and president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, attended the event as a guest of honor.

The event, sponsored by AEG, owner of the Lakers' home stadium Staples Center, and other companies, featured a sit-down dinner, a silent auction filled with sports memorabilia and luxury jewelry donated by Nubeo, maker of Bryant's Black Mamba watch collection, and performances by the Laker Girls and musical students.

Donald Tang, chairman of Asia Society Southern California, while announcing Bryant's selection as the society's annual "Global Ambassador," said that the basketball star is deeply committed to creating goodwill and understanding between the U.S. and China.

"The newly-created Kobe Bryant China Fund will support and collaborate in the efforts of China's Soong Ching Ling Foundation to bring education, sports and health programs to children across China," Tang said.

While in the U.S., the Kobe Bryant Family Foundation is launching a Mandrain language program in conjunction with the After-School All-Stars, which will teach Chinese language skills and culture to American youth, according to the Chinese-American businessman.

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2009)