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MoU Signing moves FISU and IOC towards Closer Collaboration

FISU 9 November 2016

 

 

LAUSANNE – Today, 9 November, 2016, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the International Federation Forum in Lausanne, formalising an era of closer collaboration and confirming areas of mutual interest within student sport.

The MoU outlines three specific areas that will drive FISU’s relationship with the IOC moving forward.

Firstly, both organisations will work to develop a dual career programme. This programme will help ensure that athletes’ sporting successes are complemented by academic attainment, which will serve as the foundation of their careers after their time as elite sportsmen and women.

FISU President Matytsin & IOC President Bach sign the MoU

Secondly, FISU and the IOC will draw on their respective experience from the Universiades and the Olympic Games to share best practice in sports competition management.

Thirdly, FISU expects to maximise the contribution of universities to the Olympic Movement through sports development and also through research.

 “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”, FISU President Oleg Matytsin said.

Forging a closer relationship with the IOC was an integral pillar of FISU President Oleg Matytsin’s presidential election campaign in 2015. As well as today’s MoU signing, FISU has shown its commitment to this collaboration over the past year by placing the Olympic Agenda 2020 at the heart of its 10-year Strategy, which is currently being developed by specialist working groups made up of National University Sport Federations (NUSFs), Continental University Sports Federations (CUSFs), students, the FISU Secretariat, universities, International Sports Federations and partners.

FISU President Matytsin & IOC President Bach

“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”, said IOC President Thomas Bach, who participated as a student-athlete at two Summer Universiades (Moscow 1973 & Mexico City 1979). “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. 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.”

Today’s MoU signing comes ahead of an important year for FISU: from 29 January to 8 February, 2017, the 28th Winter Universiade will take place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, while the 29th Summer Universiade in Taipei City, Chinese Taipei, will run from 19 to 30 August, 2017.