China-Bolivia Sports Cooperation Project Phase II - Sports Equipment Grant (Linked to Record ID#54793, #72765, #72767)

Project narrative

On December 14, 2016, the Chinese Ambassador to Bolivia and the Bolivian Ministry of Sports signed three Letters of Exchange pertaining to the second phase of the China-Bolivia Sports Technical Cooperation Project. In one of these three, the Chinese government grants sports equipment worth RMB 15 million ($2.27 million USD) to Bolivian Sports Ministry. The equipment was to be used for the 2018 South America Games in Cochabamba. On December 1, 2017, the equipment's handover ceremony took place. The ceremony in Cochabamba was attended by President Evo Morales, Sports Minister Motaño, and the Governor of Cochabamba. The shipment included equipment relevant to table tennis, gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, trampolines, rowing, kayaking, and diving. The actual South American Games took place in 2018, with the opening ceremony on May 26 and ending June 10. It is hoped that Chinese assistance with the games, particularly given their experience with large-scale sports events, will help Bolivia expand their influence and strengthen Bolivian-Chinese sports cooperation. The Sports Technology Cooperation Project for the South American Games has been implemented in several parts. Part 2 includes training in China for athletes and coaches (Record ID#72765), competition equipment (this project), and Chinese aid in organizing the opening and closing ceremonies of the South American Games (Record ID#54793).