The Program will award 20 scholarships to study Master of Sport Administration course at the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) in 2013-2014 .

RIOU is the first Russian educational institution endorsed by the International Olympic Committee whichhas been granted the "Olympic" title. "The Olympic games are the highest form of sporting events and the most difficult sporting event to organise. By studying the Olympic experience and using it in the studies, the students gain extra expertise and raise their management level and efficiency", - says RIOU's CEOProfessor Lev Beloussov.

Successful candidates will receive award that covers tuition fee for a full-time Master of Sport Administration program at the RIOU and accommodation costs on the RIOU campus during the course of studies. Each 2013-2014 award equals $30 000.

Vladimir Potanin, who has been engaged with foundation of RIOU, says: "I believe that individual supportis the most effective way to encourage the best students. As one of the RIOU founders, I wish the new MSA program at the Olympic University to attract outstanding students right from the outset. And the competition is the best way to identify the best – not only in sports."

The Foundation's Program will allow the RIOU in the coming years to contribute to the development of the management elite for the Olympic movement and Russian and international sports.

Conditions of the program can be found here.