The agreement, which was finalised at the JOC's headquarters and National Training Centre in the Japanese capital, will also develop collaboration in the field of physical education sports and the Olympic Movement.

"It is our great pleasure to have our friends from the United States with us, and by signing an agreement today, the firm partnership between the two Olympic Committees was confirmed," said Tsunekazu Takeda, the President of the JOC.

"I would also like to thank the USOC for their kind and prompt offer of support for the devastated people and damage caused by the tragic events.

"I look forward to continuing our cooperation as a partner NOC (National Olympic Committee) for further development of the Olympic Movement in both countries."


Through the bilateral agreement, the JOC and USOC will organise athlete and coaching exchanges, transfer knowledge in the education of coaches, sports science and sports medicine, develop a programme for sharing best practices in event management and marketing and swap ideas on management development, including staff training.

"This agreement is evidence that the values of friendship and respect transcend culture and competition and that the Olympic Movement is greater than sport alone," said Larry Probst, the President of the USOC.

"The USOC has much to learn from our friends at the JOC and we're eager to offer any information or assistance that may be valuable to the JOC.

"In the aftermath of the tragic events that have unfolded in Japan in recent weeks, I'd be remiss if I didn't also reiterate the USOC's condolences to the JOC and the people of Japan and our offer to assist in any way we can."

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