The British Olympic Association (BOA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC).

Craig Reedie, chair of the BOA and member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) signed the memorandum with Yuan Weimin, president of the COC.

The agreement provides for closer co-operation between the two parties and will facilitate the sharing of information and experiences and the possibility of exchanging coaches and experts before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Reedie said: “Agreements like this can only help to enhance the services which the BOA will be able to offer Olympic athletes before the Beijing Games.” Details: www.olympics.org.uk