Ukrainian pole vaulting legend Sergey Bubka, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Patrick Hickey and Sochi 2014 chief executive Dmitry Chernyshenko (pictured) are the latest big names to be confirmed as speakers for the Russian International Olympic Universitys (RIOU) Brand Building and Communications course.
Bubka, the only athlete ever to win gold in any single event at six separate World Championships, as well as a gold medal winner at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, was thrilled to be a part of the course.
«I am very happy to be speaking at RIOUs first ever international course, particularly as there is a delegate from the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine," he said.
«When members of the Olympic family come together like this, it is always a wonderful opportunity for us to learn from each other and grow as a movement.
«I am pleased to be making a contribution to this exciting new programme."
Chernyshenko, President and chief executive of Sochi 2014, added: «RIOU is an integral part of Sochi 2014s mission to create a tangible legacy today and it is a real honour to be personally involved.
«The Brand Building and Communications Programme is further demonstration of Russias position at the forefront of the global sports industry.
«Over the next two weeks, these delegates will benefit from the experience of some of the worlds top experts in this area.
«I believe that this will be a great platform for raising the level of professionalism in sports organisations."
Hickey (pictured), who is also the European Olympic Committees President, was enthusiastic about the initiative, saying: «RIOUs Brand Building and Communications Programme will help sports organisations adopt a much more professional approach as to how they communicate with all the different audiences in sport.
«In the current economic climate, this will be essential in helping attract and keep new participants, fans, sponsors, social media followers and even volunteers.
«So I am delighted to be involved with such an important initiative."
The communications programme began this week in Sochi, with 20 delegates from 11 different countries present.
National Olympic Committee representatives from Jordan to the United States are participating as well as delegates from Sochi 2014, the Kazan 2013 Universiade and the Bosnian and Hungarian Ice Hockey Federations.
«Our world famous guest speakers will inspire our delegates, but just as importantly, theyll bring invaluable real world experience and proven steps to success in the international sports movement," said Professor Lev Belousov, chief executive of the RIOU.
The RIOU is backed by the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and its brand building and communications course also features guest lecturers René Fasel, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), Sochi 2014 executive vice-president of marketing and brand management Igor Stolyorov, BBC broadcaster David Eades, and American sports journalist Alan Abrahamson.
