MSA students will also survey over 200 athletes and media on perception of Sochi 2014
Students studying on the Russian International Olympic University’s (RIOU) inaugural Master of Sports Administration (MSA) course are learning about the practicalities of hosting a Paralympic Winter Games by engaging in observer and participation programmes with the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee.
These programmes – which started on Sunday 9 March and run until the last day of the Games on 16 March – are being organised jointly by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Academy and the World Academy of Sport.
The Observer Programme is designed to help students understand how the unique knowledge acquired by the organisers of the current Games is transferred to future organising committees while the Games Experience Programme aims to deliver a multi-stakeholder perspective of Games management and offers an understanding of the business potential that sporting events hold.
Both programmes engage students through lectures, seminars and round-table discussions with key officials responsible for the staging of the Games and the development of the Paralympic Movement. To enhance their integration, students have been granted privileged access to Sochi 2014’s Winter Games venues so they can witness their core operating functions.
RIOU’s MSA students will also conduct a detailed survey of more than 200 athletes and media to collect valuable feedback on how these groups perceive different aspects of the planning and staging of the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. In particular, the survey will cover competition and training venues, Paralympic Villages, transport and spectator engagement. Their findings will be used in further research and will provide a basis for a comprehensive analysis of the perception of the Games.
RIOU Rector, Professor Lev Belousov, said:
"Our students had an excellent chance to get a behind-the-scenes view of the organisation of the recent Olympic Winter Games and now they have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the operations behind the Paralympic Winter Games.
"The organisation of the Paralympic Games is a very complex and subtle logistical process requiring tailored skills and expertise. Learning programmes delivered by the IPC Academy ensure direct transfer of such knowledge and provide deep insights into the most important aspects of the Paralympic Movement. RIOU students will familiarise themselves with core functional areas such as broadcasting, spectator involvement, and the effective use of Paralympic brands. That’s why we feel it is important to incorporate practical training at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games into the MSA course."
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