Sochi 2014 shared its plan to deliver an unprecedented educational legacy for Russia’s first Winter Games, at the VI World Forum on Sport, Education and Culture. A central element of Sochi 2014’s aim to lead the world in Olympic education was the development of the world’s first Olympic University, situated within the Sochi 2014 Olympic Park.

Sochi 2014’s two stranded education plan – including both public and specialist education – will ensure that Russia’s first Winter Games delivers long-term benefits for both Russian society and the world of sport. Both strands were discussed with Delegates at the conference - organized jointly by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Korean Olympic Committee and the Government of Busan.

Development of the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) was agreed at a meeting between the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, President of the IOC Jacques Rogge and President and CEO of Sochi 2014 Dmitry Chernyshenko. Students from across the world will be able to study two year Masters Degrees or MBAs in International Sports, as well as shorter programs. The RIOU will award grants to the brightest students delegated by all 205 National Olympic Committees to ensure that the world benefits from the institution, which will open in 2012 in Sochi Olympic Park.

The conference also heard about the Sochi 2014 public education program, intended to trigger major changes in attitude among sections of Russian society. The program will educate Russian people on the importance of equality for people with disabilities, the importance of environmental protection, as well as on issues of intellectual property.

Dmitry Chernyshenko, President and CEO of Sochi 2014, said:

“Sochi 2014 is truly leading the world in terms of its education program. We believe that the educational legacy of Sochi 2014 for both the Olympic Movement and the people of Russia will be incredible, and I am particularly excited about the RIOU being located in my home town of Sochi. This institution will be the world’s premier establishment for the study of major sporting event organization.”

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