By Tom Degun

June 12 - An historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Sochi 2014 to deliver a new tailor-made education programme.



The Sochi 2014 Excellence Programme is aimed at assisting organising committees in delivering a Paralympic Games of the highest level.

The IPC Academy - the organisation's education arm - will now co-operate with the new Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) for the local delivery of the programme.

The programme itself involves ten specific modules based on the needs of the Organising Committee delivered by the IPC Academy with local partners and IPC experts.

IPC chief executive Xavier Gonzalez said: "Together, the IPC and Sochi 2014 share common belief in the value of investing in the human capacity to the people who will ultimately deliver the Winter Games in 2014.

"The objectives of the Sochi 2014 Excellence Programme however, go even beyond 2014.

"It will help to create a lasting legacy of leaders locally, and support the ongoing development of sport, and in particular, Paralympic Sport.

"This programme will also contribute to the economic growth and global profile of Sochi and the region around it.

"We are delighted that Sochi 2014 has agreed to implement this holistic education programme of the IPC Academy."

Dmitry Chernyshenko, the President and chief executive of Sochi 2014, added: "Russia’s first Paralympic Winter Games will be a catalyst for major changes in our country.

"This will not only include having facilities and infrastructure that meets the needs of people with a disability but also change the Russian public’s attitude towards disability.

"The knowledge and experience that the IPC have shared with us during the Debriefing will be incredibly useful in achieving our ambitious goal.

"The Excellence Programme is a very important part of our human resource development programme and clearly links with our vision in the establishment of the RIOU to partner in the development and delivery of sports education."

The IPC Academy applies a unique learning format described by its director Chris Solly.

He said: "We take a client focused approach to learning requirements with programmes such as ‘excellence’ that is tailored to the needs of the partner and where appropriate linked to their current work flow requirements."

The first module is due to be delivered in September 2010.

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