The Sochi Excellence Programme is a significant step forward in the knowledge provision and capacity building offered by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to Organising Committees of Paralympic Games.

The programme itself builds on the great work over many years in the development of knowledge sharing and incorporates organization capacity and knowledge development in the context of Paralympic Sport, linking the key observations, workshop and simulation exercises into a consistent programme.

For Sochi 2014 and following Organising Committees, the programme provides an immediate benefit to the development and delivery of the Paralympic Games and an ongoing legacy of highly trained administrators ready for future Paralympic events.

From an education perspective the IPC Academy is delighted to be working with the Russian International Olympic University (RIOU), the newly formed University, to support the development of sporting administrators. We see this programme as one of many that we may work together on for the betterment and development of Sports Management expertise.

Overall the IPC and its Academy are excited to be working so closely with Sochi 2014 over the coming years as they develop what is sure to be an excellent Paralympic Games. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding provides an even stronger sense of partnership and engagement between both organisations.

The key outcomes identified for the Sochi 2014 Excellence Programme are detailed below:

• Have in depth understanding of IPC requirements in each particular field
• Acquire unique insights into essential vs. non-essential requirements and client satisfaction elements
• Have the ability to analyse IPC requirements as these are expressed within the Technical Manuals and other Games documentation and interpret them to Sochi’s context
• Understand the various potential legacy fields that can occur from hosting the Paralympic Winter Games
• Understanding on how Games preparation work can be combined with targeting positive impact
• Ability to set priorities and implement action plans towards meaningful legacies for after the Games
• Develop a Legacy Plan applicable to the needs of Sochi

Like all things of this nature it takes vision and leadership to see it through and the Sochi 2014 team and the IPC team are totally committed to the success of the Sochi 2014 Excellence Programme.

Chris Solly is the Director of the IPC Academy. In 1999 he was instrumental in the conception and creation of Olympic Games Knowledge Services (OGKS), a joint venture with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).