Russian Olympic Committee Signs Memorandum of Cooperation with EOC & RIOU to promote ‘Olympic values’

The European Olympic Committees (EOC), the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) and the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to promote Olympic values in Russia and Europe.

The agreement will also train a new generation of managers for the sports industry throughout Russia and Europe.

However, the singing comes at an awkward time, with Russia being international scrutinised because of President Vladimir Putin’s new anti-gay laws that ban ‘propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations.’

Sochi is hosting the 2014 Winter Olympic Games and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has come under increased pressure to review the situation because of the controversial new laws.

President of the United States Barack Obama has publicly criticised the law and many others have called for the IOC to ban Sochi 2014 as the new law goes against Olympic values, something the new MoC says it will promote.

President of the ROCm Alexander Zhukov said: “Today is another significant step towards Russia’s preparation for hosting the world’s most iconic sports events such as the IAAF World Championships, the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Ice Hockey World Championship and the FIFA World Cup.

The Memorandum means Russia is better positioned to harness the significant event-hosting knowledge we will receive from these events and pass it on to our European colleagues. I am sure such an exchange will benefit all parties.”

President of the EOC, Patrick Hickey added: “Russia is one of the most prominent sporting hosts in the world and it is absolutely right that they are also taking a lead in sports education.

“I am delighted that the EOC has signed this Memorandum today and I look forward to all parties working together to further promote Olympism throughout Europe.”