South Korea to sponsor 50th Independence

MINISTER OF Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange has announced that the South Korean city of Daegu has committed to giving assistance to Jamaica during next year's celebration of the nation's 50th anniversary of Independence.

Grange received the commitment of assistance during a meeting with the vice-mayor of political affairs of Daegu Metropolitan City, Kim Yon Chang.

The minister and the vice-mayor discussed Korean assistance for fireworks and lighting effects during Jamaica's 50th celebrations as well as exchange in the areas of sports and culture.

Fruitful meeting

"It was a very fruitful meeting with the vice-mayor who has committed to giving assistance with certain elements of our celebrations next year. We also discussed how we may work together in the development of sports as well as cultural exchanges. I think there is great scope for the promotion of Jamaican cultural goods in South Korea. Teams from both sides will now be working out the details."

The meeting follows discussions in Daegu with South Korean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chung Byungkuk.

Minister Grange and Minister Chung agreed to explore how both countries could "share knowledge and expertise in sports and culture, particularly in the areas of athlete development, coaching and use of technology."

Grange described South Korea as a "strategically important" country, which "offered tremendous possibilities for the promotion of Jamaican sports, music and culture as well as the development of mutually beneficial business linkages".