The event at the “Chkalov Arena” gathers leaders from 12 Olympic Academies and representatives from 14 sports universities under the guidance of the Ministry of Sport.
In his opening remarks, Mikhail Degtyarev highlighted the primary goals of the Olympic Academies: to promote the values of Olympism, enhance Olympic education, facilitate scientific research related to the Olympic movement, and organize sports and mass physical education programs.
– Today, it is crucial to reflect on the national goals established by the President of Russia, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Higher education institutions must focus on fostering an environment where the majority of students feel empowered to achieve their full potential in Russia. We are dedicated to creating a comprehensive career guidance system to nurture the most talented individuals in their pursuits. At least 30 percent of students should be pursuing multiple qualifications at the same time. We are also looking to increase the number of international students at universities nationwide, including those governed by the Ministry of Sport, – underscored Mikhail Degtyarev.
He mentioned that the strategic development program for sports universities is currently in the works, with its launch scheduled for 2026. Funding will be allocated on a competitive basis. Olympic Academies must clearly outline their role within this program, while universities are to propose innovative approaches to working with them. The role of specialized universities in enhancing elite sports performance, promoting mass sports participation, and executing social initiatives will be assessed.
Secretary General of the Russian Olympic Committee Victor Berezov, addressing the session, emphasized that the Olympic Games and Olympism are not solely on sports; they also encompass the intellectual and cultural growth of individuals. He referenced the fundamental principles of Olympism as outlined in the Olympic Charter, which advocate for a philosophy of life that harmonizes the balance of body, spirit, and will.
– The Olympic values promotion is a pivotal objective of the Olympic Academy. The key trends in Olympic education development are closely linked to the global programs provided by the International Olympic Committee. As the IOC itself played the crucial role in establishing the Olympic Academies. Unfortunately, being provisionally suspended makes it difficult for the ROC to interact with our colleagues from the IOC at the moment. Despite the challenges, we are putting in great effort to regain our status moving forward. We are certain to resume strong cooperation with the IOC as well as the other International sports structures.
The Secretary General also discussed potential collaboration opportunities between the Olympic Academies and the International Olympic Committee through The ROC.
– First of all, it is the Olympic Values Education Program – the IOC’s central program for spreading Olympism and Olympic values. It offers a wealth of teaching resources for educators of the Academy, including popular Olympic dictations and quizzes that engage young learners effectively. It comes up with organization of scientific and educational sessions. The program of Olympic Movement Ambassadors and Young Ambassadors as part of the Youth Olympic Games, tasked not only with recognizing excellence in sports, but also with promoting and sharing important cultural values.
As well as a three-level training program for specialists and managers to work in the Olympic Movement system. There is a great chance to connect with the international sports community. We are expecting the ROC reinstatement and are ready to assist the National Olympic Academies in achieving their goals, – Victor Berezov added.
Sergey Kupro, Director of the Department of Budget Policy and Finance of the Ministry of Sport, Maxim Boev, Deputy Director of the Department of Education, Science and International Relations of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation, and Shamil Akhmetov, Vice Rector of the National Research University – Higher School of Economics spoke at the session “Financial Service – a Key Partner in the University Management System”.
