The British Olympic Association (BOA) and the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) pledging to co-operate in the fields of sport and the development of excellence in sport. The MoU was signed by BOA Chairman Lord Seb Coe and OCI President Patrick Hickey at the headquarters of the OCI in Howth, Ireland. Acknowledging the international fight against doping, the BOA and OCI have, via the MoU, underlined the pledged to support all efforts towards the elimination of doping abuse, both individually in their respective countries and together in the international sports arena. The cooperation agreement also outlines, among other things, that the OCI and the BOA will encourage the development of exchange programmes of athletes and officials.