IOC and FISU Sign Memorandum of Understanding -- Sponsor Spotlight

(ATR) The FISU and IOC have signed a partnership agreement in the midst of over 100 delegates gathering in Lausanne for the IF Forum.

FISU President Oleg Matytsin and IOC President Thomas Bach have agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding.

"Today’s MoU signing is a fitting conclusion to what has been a highly rewarding first year as FISU President. This agreement will help deliver a brighter future as FISU and the IOC work together to share expertise and connect young people to the benefits of sport and the values of Olympism. With the continued collaboration of the Olympic Movement, I have no doubt that university sport will play an ever-greater role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders," President Matytsin said in a statement.

The Memorandum outlines three areas for both the FISU and the IOC to work on to further their relationship. Both parties will work to create a dual career program for athletes. Per their agreement they plan to also draw from each other's expertise to better manage sports competitions. Lastly, the FISU will "maximize the contribution of universities to the Olympic Movement through sports competitions and also through research".

"The IOC is pleased to partner with FISU and the other organisations that help shape young people’s direct experiences of sport and of friendly international competition. The IOC acknowledges the important role that FISU plays in the field of education through sport and the leadership of the organisation in the development and promotion of international university sport," IOC President Thomas Bach states.

"FISU and universities play a vital role in using sport to connect young people with the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence. Universities also help ensure that elite athletes are well-rounded individuals who have developed their skills both on and off the field. I am confident that this MoU will mark a long and fruitful collaboration with FISU".

QOC Partners with Aspire Academy for "Be an Athlete" program

The Qatar Olympic Committee in partnership with the Aspire Academy have created the Athlete Development Pathway program "Be An Athlete" to encourage more youth sports in Qatar.

"Producing world-class Qatari sporting champions is a fundamental part of Qatar’s vision for sport. Whilst Qatar has made considerable progress on the sporting field in recent years, highlighted by our three silver medals in the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer, we are keen to build on this success and continue to increase the performance of our athletes across a wider range of sports," President of the QOC, H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani said in a statement.

The QOC have constructed a five-step model for the ADP to develop skills from as early as age one until age 19. Each phase allows participants to build on the foundations of sport training including building skills such as speed, agility, coordination and more.The final stage of the development process hopes to ensure participants remain active after their careers by either playing sports on a recreational level or deciding to play professionally.

"This project was born out of the need to provide a structured and strategic model to allow Qatar to develop athletes to their full potential. This necessitated us to develop an integrated platform, which incorporates all stages of athlete development, including personal information, performance data, career and financial management, federation information and technical analysis for coaches," Director General of Aspire Academy Ivan Bravo states.

Homepage photo: ATR

Written by Courtney Colquitt

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