RIOU’s students on the MSA (Master of Sport Administration) course have started their observation practice at the 2014 Russian Grand Prix. Running from October 6 to 12, this specially designed practice programme includes visits to venues and presentations by key officials from the Organising Committee. Interaction with professionals during the preparations and staging of a F1 championship will provide the students with an excellent opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of the organisation of a high-profile sporting event. 

The class will be split into several groups of students to work in different fields of operations of the Organising Committee, including accommodation in hotels, providing information for visitors (promo materials, navigation signage), design elements of branding activities, transportation, safety control, as well as work with volunteers and mass media. To make the most of the observation programme, the students will keep reflective diaries which will allow them to critically evaluate their participation in the event. Upon completion of the practice programme, each group will produce a reflective report summarising their experiences.

RIOU Rector Prof. Lev Belousov said: ‘We ran a very successful observation programme for our students at the Sochi Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the new intake have a one-of-a-kind chance to immerse themselves in the operations behind Formula One. The organisation of this championship requires highly specialised expertise and tailored skills, so I believe our students will gain very useful experience’.

In September 2014, RIOU signed a cooperation agreement with the ‘Omega’ Centre for the Transfer of Building Technology of the Krasnodar Region, the company managing the organisation of the Russian Grand Prix.  Under the agreement, the two parties will work together to set up a joint information platform for science and education, and provide RIOU students with high quality training and employment opportunities upon graduation.