I have been working for LinkedIn for the summer. It has been a fantastic experience throughout, but today, it definitely reached a high point when I saw my sports hero and professional passion come together.

I’ve been a Yao Ming fan for the past ten years. One thing I can say is that while most athletes are self-promoting, Yao is all about others in need. Today, he is going high tech on LinkedIn.

Yao Ming, the NBA superstar who plays for the Houston Rockets, is using LinkedIn for a good cause – rebuilding schools for the children devastated in China’s earthquake. He asks a great question to LinkedIn users on the relationship between playing sports and professional success. He is also hoping to bring more awareness to his newly-founded Yao Ming Foundation and his Olympic raffle.

The raffle’s winner and his/her guest will be Yao’s personal guests in the 2008 Olympics. Five answers posted on LinkedIn Answers prior to 11:59pm EDT on 7/19 (Saturday) will be hand-picked by Yao for an award of 20 raffle tickets each.

Yao, a six year veteran in the NBA, became a superstar the moment he entered the league. He started in all six All Star Games and took the Houston Rockets to the NBA playoffs four times. He will also play for the Chinese National Team in the 2008 Olympics next month in Beijing, China.

As accomplished a basketball player as he is, Yao is also well-known for his philanthropic works. Over the years, he worked on important causes such as the rebuilding efforts in the earthquake affected regions in China, raising awareness about AIDS, and wildlife conservation.

So far, the question has gotten great responses. I encourage you to check them out. I wish Yao Ming the best of luck in the upcoming Olympics and with his foundation.