Brasília, 7/1/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Brazil is going to be able to rely on Cuban coaches and athletes to improve research on high-performance sports, doping and the identification of potential athletes at a young age. As part of a protocol of intentions, there will also be an athlete exchange program.The protocol is being signed today by minister of Sports, Agnelo Queiroz, and the prime minister of Cuba, Carlos Lage, who is accompanied by the Cuban Foreign Minister, Felipe Perez.

The agreement with Cuba will enable Brazil to improve its Sports Excellence center network which is used to train professional athletes. The Cubans will also assist in establishing sports programs in universities which is considered one of the best seed beds for future champions. (AB)