Olivia Grange, minister of sport, says Jamaica will, for the first time, have the benefit of coaches from China for the sporting disciplines of swimming, synchronised swimming, badminton, gymnastics, volleyball, football and basketball.

A Letter of Exchange sealing a technical cooperation project on sports was signed between Grange and His Excellency Niu Qingbao, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Jamaica, at the Jamaica Pegasus yesterday.

However, “for volleyball, football and basketball, the emphasis will be on the women’s programmes where we know the need is greatest”, 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$7million.

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.

Niu Qingbao said China was particularly pleased with the technical cooperation project as Jamaica and China mark the 45th 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.