Palestine: 14th edition of the FIFA/CIES International Programme draws to a close

Located on the outskirts of Ramallah, Palestine, Birzeit University (BZU) has been CIES's academic partner for over 15 years, making it one of our institution's longest-standing collaborations. Together, we have established and developed the FIFA/CIES International Programme in Sports Management. This stimulating project has, over the years, become a recognised and essential training tool in the context of Palestinian sport.

A few days ago, the students of the 14th edition of the FIFA/CIES International Programme presented their group projects, bringing to a close more than eight months of study under uncertain conditions. They showed great motivation and resilience in attending classes online and on campus. It is true that they were supported by a formidable team of a Course Director, Coordinators, Module Leaders and experts who devoted their energy and knowledge to sport in Palestine, so that it could be a source of fulfilment and hope that transcends the vagaries of life.

The results of our partnership speak for themselves: former students now hold key positions in Palestinian sport. During their studies, they organised various sporting and sports-related events with a significant social impact: mini-tournaments in villages cut off from the rest of the West Bank, a recreation day for children at the SOS Children’s Village in Bethlehem, and an eSport tournament during the Covid-19 pandemic. They also organised a ‘Walkatlon’ to encourage older people to walk and to pay tribute to retired athletes, a virtual gallery visualising and documenting sport in Gaza, a mini ‘World Cup’ for clubs from across the West Bank, and a ‘Rose Day Tournament’ to raise awareness among girls about cancer and the importance of early screening.

Beyond academic successes, the partnership with our partners at Birzeit University has brought many rewards: genuine cooperation based on hard work, respect, trust and friendship, fruitful exchanges of ideas and experiences, and unwavering enthusiasm.

Congratulations to our new graduates: Ehab, Alaa Mansour, Mohammad Khalil, Manar, Wassem, Khitam, Amjad, Taj, Ruba and Saber. And a big thank you to the wonderful Programme team in Palestine, Rania, Alaa, Iayd, Husam, Mohamad, Raed, Hazem, Ibrahim and Susan.