Jamaica and South Africa Sign Sport Cooperation Agreement

The Government of Jamaica has signed an agreement with the South African Government for the promotion and strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation in sport.

Minister with Responsibility for Sport, Hon. Natalie Neita Headley and South African Minister of Sports, Fikile Mbalula, inked the agreement in Glasgow, Scotland on Monday, July 21, where the 20^th Commonwealth Games are underway.

It will facilitate mutual participation in sport and sport science, cooperation in the field of anti-doping and sport medicine as well as the exchange of information, training and technical knowledge.

Minister Neita Headley welcomed the partnership and the opportunity it brings for both countries to share best practices in sport.

“The signing of this bilateral agreement… is a remarkable symbol of our shared visions for sport. I welcome this partnership, which will allow our countries to share with and learn from each other as we seek to utilize sport as a tool for economic and social development,” she said.

Meanwhile, General Manager of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), Denzil Wilks, has also supported the move and is hopeful that both nations will benefit from the collaboration.

“South Africa, without a doubt, can make significant contributions to the development of sport in Jamaica. South Africa is on the verge of again becoming the number one cricketing nation…Jamaica as well as the West Indies stand to benefit from that. They are also one of the top nations where rugby is concerned, and we have a fledging rugby association which would benefit significantly,” Mr. Wilks outlined.

In exchange, he added, Jamaica could contribute in the areas of athletics and netball.

The General Manager noted that the agreement points to a growing trend of other countries partnering with Jamaica in the area of sport development.

“We, as a country, have set the pace in so many areas of sport and the fact that we had Chinese coaches coming to G.C. Foster College in order to upgrade their capacity is an indication that not only South Africa, but the world acknowledges our prowess and our capacity to contribute,” the SDF head expressed.