In a special graduation ceremony, diplomas were given to graduates from 12 countries (Russia, Albania, Belarus, Belgium, Cyprus, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Morocco, South Korea, Turkmenistan, Uganda).

As in the previous years, many of them were supported in their studies by the Vladimir Potanin Foundation through its Olympic Scholarships programme. Some of the students were nominated by RIOU’s partner organisations, including the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), Pan American Sports Organisation (Panam Sports), International University Sports Federation (FISU), International Modern Pentathlon Union (UIPM), International Tennis Federation (ITF).

In a video address to graduates of the 8th MSA, ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg said: “At ANOC we recognize the excellent value of the course which is why we have partnered with RIOU since 2013 to provide our National Olympic Committees with scholarships to study the MSA.”

“We have enjoyed a very positive and fruitful collaboration with RIOU over these eight years and been able to give our ANOC scholarship holders a chance to learn from the international best practice so they can benefit their NOCs and the Olympic Movement in their countries”.

The 2020/2021 intake set a record for the number of students holding honorary sporting titles.

Among the graduates of the Russian language MSA pathway are renowned Russian athletes, winners and medallists from the Olympic Games and other major international sport events.

The MSA is RIOU’ s flagship educational programme and has been ranked among top 5 European postgraduate sports courses and among 10 best courses in the world by the Sport Business International magazine for several consecutive years.

Since the creation of the MSA programme in 2013 RIOU has educated more than 400 aspiring sports administrators from 70 different countries. In 2021 the IOC has confirmed the status of RIOU as the Olympic studies and research centre operating in Russia. Recently RIOU has partnered with N3XT Sports (Spain) to de liver a digital transformation and innovation in sports module as part of the 2022 MSA programme, to give the MSA participants a sustained competitive advantage.

“Our mission is to educate and prepare the next generation of professionals to enter and lead the sports industry forward in the changing landscape,” said RIOU Rector Lev Belousov. “We at RIOU have always been flexible in reacting to challenges and opportunities and adjusted our MSA accordingly to fit in the latest industry trends and requirements.”

“As the landscape changes continuously, we aim to rapidly upskill and educate the course participants so as they can acquire practical and market ready skills and knowledge and join the global ecosystem of sports innovators.

“I am confident that the current graduates will be sought after in the market and will build outstanding careers in one of the most exciting professional fields the sports industry.”

RIOU is currently welcoming applications for the Master of Sport Administration course for the 2021/2022 academic year.

For more information, please contact Adelina Akhmetzyanova at adelina@olympicuniversity.ru or +7 495 956 24 30

About the Russian International Olympic University

The Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation “Russian International Olympic University” (RIOU) was established on 21 October 2009 under the Memorandum of Understanding between the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Sochi 2014 Organising Committee and theRussian Olympic Committee.  The founders of the University are the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation, the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), and Interros private investment company. RIOU provides training in major areas of sports management preparing students to make a positive and lasting impact on the international sports industry and secure prestigious positions within sporting organisations.