The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) is deepening its relationship with the University of Birmingham after signing a memorandum of understanding with the host of the main Commonwealth Games Athletes’ Village and the University of Technology, Jamaica.

The agreement will create opportunities for collaboration in the areas of educational programmes for athletes, coaches and administrators, scholarship and research activities as well as academic opportunities initially in the area of engineering.

Importantly, the partnership is also designed to develop funding and internship programmes for athletes upon retirement. This is being explored in unison with the University of Birmingham Sport and the Graduate School of Sport and Professional Practice.

Christopher Samuda, president of the JOA, stated that the partnership is in alignment with the organisation’s vision and commitment to providing opportunities for key stakeholders.

“The JOA’s vision for sport goes beyond the confines of national boundaries in building capacity and professional and career opportunities while advancing scientific-based knowledge of the human mind and body in understanding their character and functions in sport,” Samuda said.

“The historic signing of this memorandum of understanding between the Jamaica Olympic Association and the University of Birmingham will promote all of these and much more. It is more than an expression of co-operation and mutuality in sport for it coalesces the vision of two respected institutions in their joint mission of informing, educating, and enlightening,” Samuda added.

The University of Birmingham and Jamaican sports have enjoyed a strong relationship that deepened during the 2012 Olympic Games, hosted in London. The university was the base of Jamaica’s pre-Olympic training camp and was also used by the Jamaican athletes in the build-up to the 2017 World Athletics Championships.

The Jamaican athletes are again based in Birmingham for a major Games as the campus is serving as the main residence facility for athletes and officials at the Commonwealth Games, which is being hosted by the city.

Professor Tim Jones, provost and vice-principal at the University of Birmingham, said: “Ahead of the London Olympic Games in 2012, the university was proud to host the Jamaican athletes’ training camp as well as various events for the Jamaican UK community. Now as we play a crucial role in helping to host athletes from across the Commonwealth for Birmingham 2022 it is wonderful to be able to deepen our existing relationship with the Jamaica Olympic Association.

“The signing of this memorandum of understanding signifies the start of a new chapter of collaboration and support between the university and the JOA. I am delighted to be able to be part of this historic moment, helping to build lasting relationships between the university and international athletes and sports associations to further cement Birmingham as a centre of excellence for sports.”

— Andre Lowe