Chinese government grants 2.3 million USD for the Jamaica-China Technical Cooperation Programme

On 23 October 2017, the Government of Jamaica and the People’s Republic of China signed a three-year letter of exchange for 2.3 million USD grant funding for a technical cooperation project on sport coaching referred to as the Jamaica-China Technical Cooperation Programme. The first phase of the project involves coaches from China providing one month of technical assistance to coaches and athletes in swimming, synchronised swimming, badminton, gymnastics, volleyball, football and basketball. The Chinese coaches arrived in Jamaica in January of 2018 and completed the first project phase, 30 days of training. The second phase involved Jamaica sending 138 athletes, coaches and other support personnel to China for training and competitions for two months. Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, Tian Qi, held a farewell party for the Jamaican athletes going to China on 25 June 2019. In August 2019, Jamaica Information Service reported there were preliminary discussions to extend the cooperation agreement. It is unclear if the program was renewed. Under the agreement, the Jamaican Government will ensure that all administrative requirements are in place for travel by the Chinese team. The Chinese government is covering the cost of the the Chinese coaches sent to Jamaica, as well as international air tickets (round trip), training fees, accommodation and meals for the Jamaican athletes, coaches and support personnel while they are in China.

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