Dakar: Diplomas awarded to the students of the 6th edition of the FIFA/CIES Programme

The students of the 6th edition of the FIFA/CIES sport management programme in Senegal were awarded their diplomas in Dakar on 13 October. The event took place in the presence of many leading figures from the academic and sports world, along with the students of the 7th edition.

The ceremony, chaired by Professor Saliou Ndiaye, UCAD Chancellor, was marked by emotion and remembrance. Abdul Aziz Ndiaye, a teacher at the Higher National Institute of Popular Education and Sport (INSEPS) and a committed supporter of the FIFA/CIES Programme since its creation, passed away a month ago after a long illness. The sixth class decided to choose him posthumously as their patron. A slide show on Aziz and his involvement within UCAD was presented at the beginning of the ceremony. The Director of the INSEPS institute recalled his commitment to the University, CIES, his friends and of course his family. FIFA/CIES Programme scientific coordinator Pierre Lanfranchi emphasized the humanity and devotion of Aziz. His sister and his daughter spoke on behalf of the family.

The ceremony was also marked by the retirement of Professor Amadou Ibrahima Dia, the Programme Director since its creation in 2006. CIES recalled the importance of the work done by Amadou throughout these six years of partnership with Senegal. CIES and the UCAD programme managers expressed their thanks and recognition by offering gifts, a gesture that Amadou Dia found very moving.

The University Chancellor then paid tribute to the cooperation between CIES and UCAD in the pioneering adventure of the FIFA/CIES Programme in Senegal. He also commented on the importance of training for sports managers in Africa today. After a consolidation phase, cooperation must today become more innovative and ensure development in terms of research and exchange.

CIES General Secretary Vincent Schatzmann emphasized the quality and commitment of UCAD. He warmly thanked the local team for the work done throughout the last six years of partnership.

After the 21 students who completed the 2011/2012 course received their diplomas, the alumni themselves welcomed the students of the new edition by offering them a welcome scarf.

As many speakers mentioned, the course in Senegal is a success, both from a qualitative and from an organisation viewpoint. CIES wishes to thank professors Amouda Ibrahima Dia and Coumba Ndofène Diouf, Mr Pape Touré (CIES coordinator in Senegal) and Ms Astou Dramé (administrative project coordinator at UCAD) for their commitment, availability and professionalism.

A cocktail, along with the traditional group photograph, ended this very fine and moving ceremony, organised in the magnificent setting of the Terrou Bi hotel.

We warmly congratulate the new graduates and wish them every success: Salif, Coumba, Papa Ndiawar, Mamadou Sidy, Samba, Mamadi, Papa Codé, Adja Mariétou,  Lademba Malick, Olivier Alexis, Marie Paule Nicole, Alioune Badara, De N’zalé Georges Mathurin, Mambata, Fama, Paul, Mathy, Kacham Sina, Mamadou, Alioune and Cissé Kane.