The document ratifying the agreement was also signed by Angolan Paralympic Committee (CPA) chairman Leonel da Rocha Pinto and BP regional chairman in the country, Martyn Morris.

The agreement means that Angolan athletes will be able to benefit from the support of BP, a Tier One London 2012 sponsor, for their preparations in the lead up to the Games next summer.

Muandumba said: "It is a good initiative because the APC has had a good performance and is dynamic."

Pinto said that he hoped the agreement would continue after the Paralympic Games to help athletes such as José Armando Sayovo (pictured), Octávio dos Santos, Miguel Francisco and Joaquim Manuel - the four Angolans to have already qualified so far for London 2012.

The APC's former chief Rogério Silva said that the deal would have a significant impact.

"The agreement is important because as we know there is not much money available," he said.

"We have to applaud this initiative."

Angola took three gold medals at the Athens 2004 Paralympics, with Sayovo securing them all in the 100 metres, 200m and 400m sprints in the T11 category, making him the first person to win a Paralympic medal for the country.

He went on to win three silver medals at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics in the same events, and is optimistic of improving on that haul next year in London.

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