Today, the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) held a working meeting with the participation of Lev Belousov, Rector of the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU), representatives of the ROC, and members of the ROC Athletes’ Commission. The discussion focused on educational programs offered by RIOU, as well as cooperation with national and regional sports federations in informing potential applicants to RIOU among current and former athletes.
RIOU Rector Lev Belousov stated that the main objective is to develop a clear mechanism for notifying athletes and attracting them to study at the Russian International Olympic University.
“We offer a very broad range of educational programs lasting from one week to one year, which we launched last year together with the ROC and the Olympians Support Foundation,” Lev Belousov noted. “However, unfortunately, not everyone is aware of this project. Today, we presented it in detail to members of the ROC Athletes’ Commission and listened to their comments and suggestions. In order to expand our student base, and with the consent of the national federations, we will work more actively with the regions in terms of information outreach.”
Honorary Chair of the ROC Athletes’ Commission, three-time Olympic champion in synchronized swimming Olga Brusnikina, proposed including coaching courses in the list of educational programs for athletes.
“Today, Lev Sergeyevich Belousov and other RIOU representatives asked what programs and formats would be of interest to athletes. We believe that short-term coaching courses would be in high demand. In this regard, RIOU’s proposal to divide the year-long program into two-week modules seems appropriate. Our Commission will soon present its own proposals for educational programs that could be of interest to both active athletes and those who have already ended their careers.”
Chair of the ROC Athletes’ Commission Sofya Velikaya added that athletes with disabilities must обязательно be involved in educational programs.
“Paralympic athletes should have the same opportunities for professional development and additional higher education as other athletes,” said the Rio 2016 Olympic fencing champion.
In addition, during the meeting the Commission heard a report from two-time Olympic biathlon champion Olga Zaitseva, who took part in the elections for the new composition of the Athletes’ Commission of the European Olympic Committees (EOC).
“The elections were held on October 20 in Monte Carlo as part of the 9th Athletes’ Forum and the 5th European Athletes’ Assembly,” Olga Zaitseva said. “About one hundred delegates from 50 National Olympic Committees of Europe participated in the vote. In addition to myself, the Russian Olympic Committee was represented by Olympic champions Tagir Khaibulaev (judo) and Alexey Alipov (shooting). Alexey was Russia’s candidate for the EOC Athletes’ Commission but, unfortunately, did not receive enough votes. Nevertheless, I believe we represented our country достойно at the international sports forum.”
Olga Zaitseva also shared her impressions of studying at RIOU in the “Sports Management” program.
“It was a very interesting course. During 10 days in Sochi, I learned a lot of new information that will certainly be useful to me in the future. At the same time, I agree with my colleagues that a coaching track should be introduced into the curriculum. This is a highly relevant topic for athletes.”
