The Center for Continuing Education at Birzeit University celebrated on March 12, 2013 the graduation of its third class and the start of training for the fourth class of its sports management program. The program is implemented in partnership with the Palestinian Football Federation and the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES), a joint venture with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

 

In his opening address, BZU President Khalil Hindi welcomed CIES Secretary General Vincent Schatzmann and head of the Palestine Olympic Committee and Palestinian Football Association Jibril Rajoub. He expressed pride in the sports management program at BZU and its role in community development and laying the foundation for Palestinian sport. He said he valued this successful partnership and thanked FIFA, CIES and the PFA for contributing to the development of the sports sector in Palestine on the basis of knowledge and vocational training.

 

Secretary General Schatzmann expressed his satisfaction that the program has graduated three classes, especially since graduates gain qualitative skills and some have obtained excellent jobs upon graduation from the program.

 

Rajoub emphasized the importance of sport as an inexpensive way to achieve Palestinian national expectations. He noted that Palestinian sports once suffered from the lack of a strategic vision and knowledgeable qualified staff and concluded by inviting program alumni to use the time they have invested in training to join the labor market, locally and internationally.

 

Center Director Marwan Tarazi emphasized the importance of creating a strong sports program in Palestine that will build Palestinian sports leaders. He hoped that graduates would exploit the opportunity they have been given and achieve the objectives of the program and then thanked all program partners.