First FIFA/CIES Programme in Poland

Kozminski University (KU), the academic partner of the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) in Poland, launched the first edition of the FIFA/CIES Programme in sport management on its Warsaw campus on 25 October 2014. The project benefits from the support of PL.2012+, the entity tasked with managing the National Stadium and opening it to many activities, including education.

The ceremony was held on Saturday 25 October at Kozminski University in Warsaw. Many figures from the academic and sports worlds were present for the opening ceremony, in particular Irena Szewinska, IOC member and winner of 7 Olympic medals including 3 gold medals, KU Rector Witold T. Bielecki, PL2012+ President Tomasz Polgrabski and CIES General Secretary Vincent Schatzmann.

After the opening speech by the Rector of the University, the President of PL2012+ presented the many events taking place at the National Stadium throughout the year. The CIES General Secretary then said a few words to the new students before presenting the activities of CIES and of the International University Network in more detail.

In conclusion, Emilia Evéquoz, CIES coordinator in Poland, told the participants about the links between the FIFA/CIES Programme and the FIFA Master. She also emphasised the importance, for the students, of belonging to a genuine network bringing together 16 universities all over the world. This allows them not only to share ideas and experiences with their colleagues internationally, but also to participate in the Network Prize as well as in various colloquia and seminars, and to apply for scholarships to attend the FIFA Master.

Sylwia Halas-Dey, the Programme director in Poland, ended the ceremony by focusing on the importance of cooperation between all the stakeholders and welcomed the launch of the first edition.

CIES extends its best wishes for success to the first Polish students in their “travels” through the different aspects of sports management.