Russia seems to have never loved the Olympics so much. 213 days before the opening of the Sochi Games, the country is observing the rings and its values with a look of envy. To the point of having created an International Olympic University in 2010, based in Moscow. Its director, Lev Belousov, answered questions from FrancsJeux.
FrancsJeux: What is taught at the Russian International Olympic University?
Lev Belousov: Our main program consists of a Master in Sports Administration, designed by Russian and foreign experts. It was developed from work and studies on the organization of the Olympic Games. In this context, we have been working since the very beginning with the organizing committee of the Sochi 2014 Games. We are studying the entire process to make it a teaching subject.
What types of careers are students at your university destined for?
Through its content and the quality of its speakers, our Master's degree stands out as an open door to the professional world. As a priority, major international sports organizations. But it also allows students to build a very dense network of sports movement specialists.
What does the notion of Olympism represent for the younger Russian generations today?
As the Sochi Games approach, the Russian Olympic Committee is doing a lot to promote the values of Olympicism, with particular emphasis on the younger generations. For example, our university participated in the forum “Generations for Peace” organized twice in Sochi. An educational program dedicated to the Games has also been developed for schools. We are a very multicultural country, where hosting the Olympic Games can have a strong impact. We have not forgotten the Moscow Games in 1980. Even the youngest know the mascot, the little bear. I hope those in Sochi will have the same emotional impact.
What legacy can the Sochi Games leave to Russia?
First of all, I hope that everything built for these Games will be used in the future. The facilities, above all. It was planned that three or four of them would be dismantled and then installed in another region. Today, this should only concern one piece of equipment. In the mountains, the three resorts of Krasnaya Polyana will become one. Soon with a unique ski pass. We hope that Russians who go skiing in the Alps today will think of going to Sochi instead.
Should Russia consider bidding for the Summer Games?
Why not ? We are starting a decade of very big events, with the Universiade in Kazan, the world athletics championships in Moscow, the Sochi Games, the ice hockey world championships, the football World Cup... We are in the process of to gain great experience and build all the infrastructure.
What do you think about the upcoming designation of the 2020 Games City and the election for IOC President?
I can only tell you that the six candidates for the IOC presidency are all of high quality and know the Olympic family very well. The same could be said of the candidate cities for the 2020 Games. Of course, the popular demonstrations and the clashes between demonstrators and the police do not really contribute to making Istanbul more attractive. But it nonetheless remains a wonderful city in my eyes.
