Sports: China Coaches for Jamaica in the[Western] New Year

A Letter of Exchange sealing a technical cooperation project on sports was signed between Minister Grange and His Excellency, Niu Qingbao, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Jamaica, at the Jamaica Pegasus this morning (Monday).

Minister Grange said the coaches will begin arriving in January, thus giving Jamaica, for the first time, the benefit of coaches from China for the sporting disciplines of swimming, synchronized swimming, badminton, gymnastics, volleyball, football and basketball

Additionally, the Minister pointed out, “For volleyball, football and basketball the emphasis will be on the women’s programmes where we know the need is greatest,” Miss Grange revealed.

“In the first instance, the coaches will be in Jamaica for one month in January 2018.”

During the project, to run from 2018-2020, Jamaica will send to China a group of approximately 138 athletes, coaches and other support personnel for a stay of two months, during which time they will experience training and competition in China.

She said the project which also includes the provision of equipment is being funded by the Chinese Government to the tune of US$ 7-MD.

Minister Grange said the Jamaican Government is expected to put a plan in place to ensure effective project management as well as ensure the security and welfare of the coaches.

His Excellency, Niu Qingbao, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Jamaica, said China was particularly pleased with the technical cooperation project as Jamaica and China mark the 45^th Anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic relations.

“We want more of these exchanges which benefit our two countries.”

The signing ceremony was attended by a number of representatives from various sports associations and institutions.

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Image caption

DSC_2140: A handshake to seal the deal. The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and His Excellency, Niu Qingbao, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Jamaica signed a Letter of Exchange sealing a technical cooperation project on sports which will see the provision of Chinese coaches for seven sporting disciplines in Jamaica. Supporting the Minister is Dr. Janice Lindsay, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry (left), while Fan Jianghong, Counsellor, Economic and Commercial Counsellor Office, People’s Republic of China Embassy accompanied the Ambassador (right). The signing took place at the Jamaica Pegasus.