ARCHIVED MEDIA RELEASE
PA/12/2004 15 April 2004
Western Australia sign MoU with India to expand sports cooperation
Sporting links between Australia and India are set to expand with the signing today of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Australian State of Western Australia and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
The MOU was signed by the Western Australia Minister for Sport and Recreation, Mr Robert Charles Kucera APM MLA and Mr J.P. Singh, Director General, Sports Authority of India.
“Australia and India share a passion for sports. Sports contributes greatly to our sense of identity and national pride,” said Mr Kucera “I look forward to strengthening sports exchanges between our two countries, particularly in the lead up to the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia and 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. There can be real benefits from further sporting cooperation, in raising participation levels and competition standards between our two countries and in the wider region,” added Mr Kucera.
The Western Australian Government has a strong international sports development program and Mr Kucera’s visit will build on the close partnership already established between the State and the Sports Authority of India.
Western Australia has worked closely with the SAI in developing the framework for an Indian National Action Plan for Sports.
The MoU embraces an extensive range of possible sports collaboration and cooperation. This includes training and attachment of coaches, exchange programs and visits by sports leaders and sports personnel, and cooperation in the development of sports sciences.
The first collaborative activity following the signing of the MOU will take place in July, with a series of workshops in India focusing on sports science, coaching, sports infrastructure planning and the development of sports clubs.
While in New Delhi, Mr Kucera will hold discussions with the SAI on areas of future cooperation. He has met the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sport, Mr Vikram Verma, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Mr Vijai Kapoor, and will meet Mr Arvinder Singh Lovely, Minister for Education, Government of Delhi.
For additional information, contact: Ms Clare Duffield, Second Secretary, on 51494319 ext 219.