Twenty-six participants have completed Manager 2.0 — an educational course designed by the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) for graduates of its professional retraining programmes.

The course is delivered by RIOU in Sochi on an annual basis. The cost of tuition is covered by the University, while the course themes are determined according to current management trends in the sports industry.

The three-day intensive included case studies on digital tools and the use of AI in sport, a workshop on public speaking, working with a management case study from development to solution, and, of course, plenty of live interactions among the participants.

In their feedback forms, participants highlighted three aspects of the programme in particular. First, the rich course content. The topic of AI's impact on managerial decision-making in sport proved especially relevant, along with games designed to develop strategic thinking.

Second, the focus on practical application of knowledge. One participant noted: "The experts delivered engaging lectures, immersing us in the practical use of the tools."

Third, the chance to meet like-minded people face-to-face. Participants cited benefits such as "the opportunity to see fellow alumni, and to meet graduates from other years and from other sports", "interaction with colleagues and friends", and "networking".

The course concluded with the presentation of certificates of professional development for sports managers. RIOU has become "a gathering place for people open to new knowledge", as well as an alma mater to which graduates return for support, fresh insights and new ideas.