The Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) has launched its new educational programme, a one-year MSA (Master of Sport Administration) course, at Russia.Sochi.Park in London. The course has been developed by leading Russian and foreign sports management expects. The launch of the MSA programme took place four years after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the IOC, ROC and Sochi 2014 Organising Committee establishing the Russian International Olympic University.

The MSA programme will become the core element of RIOU's educational structure. The course will train a new generation of managers for both the Russian and global sports industry. Key to the course is a study of the preparation for the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The University will announce the terms of admission in autumn 2012. Students will start the MSA in autumn 2013 and graduate in summer 2014.

More than 300 representatives from the academic community and the Olympic Family attended the launch event. Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, sent his greetings to organisers and guests at the launch event: "I am sure that in the near future, the Russian International Olympic University in Sochi will open its doors wide to students from around the world: those aspiring to receive a remarkable, much needed education namely a "Master of Sport Administration."

A number of important and influential figures spoke at the launch event. These included: President of the Russian Olympic Committee Alexander Zhukov; President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee Dmitry Chernyshenko; President of Interros and Chair of RIOU's Supervisory Council Vladimir Potanin; President of the IIHF and IOC member René Fasel; Federation Council member and Olympic champion Svetlana Zurova; UK Minister of State for Universities and Science David Willets; and Chairman of Podium Geoff Petts.

At the launch, representatives from RIOU signed an agreement of cooperation with two leading British universities in the field of sports management – Brunel University London, and Sheffield Hallam University. The three universities will work together to train staff for the Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, as well as on educational and scientific programmes, and preserving the Games legacy. The agreement confirms the exchange of employees and students, and joint educational courses.

RIOU CEO Professor Lev Belousov discussed the construction of the University complex in the centre of Sochi. The campus is being built using the latest technologies and complies with the BREEAM environmental standard and barrier-free environment requirements for people with a disability.

Chair of the RIOU Supervisory Board Vladimir Potanin said:"A new model of state-private partnership in sport is being formed at the moment. Russian business is taking part in building sports venues and supporting national teams. RIOU is another bright example of this synergy. I consider it important to participate in this project. For me, the establishment of the University is an investment in the future and in human capital. But it's not me who will reap the rewards, it is the whole country. I am going to give grants to the first 20 RIOU MSA programme students."

President and CEO of the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee Dmitry Chernyshenko said:
"The creation the Russian International Olympic University is a great example of the legacy of the Games. It is a unique educational institution which will give Russia a number of highly qualified sports managers, who will be able to compete with renowned international specialists."

RIOU CEO Lev Belousov said:
"The Olympic Games are the highest form of sports competition and the most difficult to organise. Studying the Olympic Games as an academic subject gives students additional experience, increasing their level and effectiveness as future managers. I believe that RIOU's commitment to Olympism is our competitive advantage and that it will open the doors to any sports organisation for our graduates."