Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

The Republic of China has continued its commitment to the development of sports in Jamaica, by donating various sporting equipment to the Institute of Sports.

"My country has established a good diplomatic relationship with Jamaica in this region and we are very happy to be helping in whatever way possible to developed sports in Jamaica," said Zhao Zhenyu, China's Ambassador to Jamaica, at yesterday's handover ceremony held at the Chinese's Embassy in Kingston.

The equipment includes, 7,920 table tennis balls, 400 table tennis racquets, six table tennis tables, 400 dozens shuttlecocks, 150 badminton racquets, 100 footballs, 84 basketballs and 48 volleyballs.

Replying on behalf of the Government, Sports Development Foundation Chairman Howard Aris, who is also the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association president, said: "China has been generous to Jamaica, we've been having agreements for a number of years. We can always depend on the Chinese to be generous and helpful where Jamaica is concerned."

Keith Garvey, president of Jamaica Table Tennis Association, said he was very grateful for this sponsorship from the Chinese Government.

"I think this is a big boost for my organisation. One of the big problems we have in Jamaica is that we don't have enough international equipment available locally," he said. "This will now enable us to spread the sport of table tennis to many more schools across the country."

Vishu Tolan, president of the Jamaica Badminton Association, also expressed gratitude for the gift.

"This is a big boost in the development of badminton in the country. The Chinese Government has always been generous to racquet sports in Jamaica," said Tolan.