The World Academy of Sport (WAoS) today announced a key partnership with the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) to deliver management education for the BOC and the GCC Region. This new initiative enhances the reach of WAoS programmes and broadens the scope of its partnerships throughout the world.

The long term agreement provides a focal point for the delivery of sport and event management education across the GCC region through the creation of the "BOC Academy", a newly created division inside the BOC.

WAoS Director Chris Solly commented, "This is an important partnership for us in the region as we continue our efforts in providing tailored education solutions to the international sporting world".

"The BOC has for many years invested in the development of coach education and has over 1500 accredited coaches. We are delighted to join with them in the important development of sporting managers to complement this expertise".

The courses to be delivered range from the Academy's Postgraduate Certificate, a National Federation Management Programme along with event and club administration programmes tailored specifically to the needs of the region.

Speaking at the first intake of the National Federation Management Programme, BOC Secretary General Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa commented "Today's announcement of our partnership with the World Academy of Sport is a key element in the establishment of the Bahrain Olympic Academy as we strive to provide the best possible services for our sporting community in Bahrain and across the region"

"We have just completed the first intake of the National Federation Management Programme and are pleased to see the progress made in such a short space of time".

The first graduates from the programme will have their formal graduation in October.

For further information contact Michael Cary at the World Academy of Sport on +44 777 064 0904 or [email protected]

-END-

Notes to the Editor

The World Academy of Sport is World Sport's Education Partner, delivering educational programmes and creating sustainable long term partnerships for the benefit of sport and partner organisations worldwide.

The Academy offers a range of educational programmes with a global reach for sport and event participants - managers, administrators, event organisers and athletes - creating a centre of excellence to deliver world class education for the global sport community. Through its various partnerships the WAoS runs programmes in many regions and countries throughout the world.

It has established specific education partner academies with several international sport federations to provide further tailored education for their member constituents around the world including:

• International Basketball Federation (FIBA)
• International Ski Federation (FIS)
• International Rugby Board (IRB)
• International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
• International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA)
• International Cricket Council (ICC)