On 30 July, the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) will launch its one-year MSA in Sport Administration at Russia.Sochi.Park. Over the past year, two groups of Russian and foreign experts in sports management have been developing the course and their expertise has enabled RIOU to create a unique product.
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 and this is reflected in the programme modules. The MSA has been designed for young specialists who want to develop their professional skills, and who have Higher Education qualifications and work experience.
According to RIOU CEO, Professor Lev Belousov, "Our programme will enable students to learn innovative sports management techniques and technologies so Russian sport will have the new generation of management it needs. We are looking forward to, and doing our best to bring about big changes in the industry."
The MSA launch will comprise two key elements: the course designers will talk about key MSA educational modules; and RIOU CEO Professor Lev Belousov will show an augmented reality presentation of the RIOU campus under construction. In addition to the expert discussion, the invited specialists and guests will be able to take part in a debate on contemporary issues in sport and education today.
Those invited to participate include: Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Kozak; Russian Olympic Committee President 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; IIHF President and IOC member René Fasel; IOC member Jean-Claude Killy; Brazilian Olympic Committee President Arthur Carlos Nuzman; UK Minister of State for Universities and Science David Willetts; and Chairman of Podium Geoff Petts, uniting all the British universities involved in the preparations for the London 2012 Games.
Currently around 200 representatives from the international academic community have registered to attend the launch event at http://www.riou-msa-launch.com.
