Sports management program celebrates eighth graduating class, begins training ninth

The Center for Continuing Education at Birzeit University celebrated the graduation of the eighth Executive Program in Sports Management class, supported by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) together with the Palestinian Football Association, on Saturday, November 10, 2018. 

The Executive Program in Sports Management, offered in 15 countries worldwide, includes six courses: sports management, financial management, marketing for sports institutions, communication skills, management of sports events, and sports law. Students who excel in their final project win an award for excellence and are invited to the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. 

Vice President for Planning and Development at Birzeit University Ziad Mimi said the program’s unique nature was made possible by the partnership with FIFA and the Palestinian Football Association, and that the program helps students keep abreast of the developments in Palestinian athletics. 

Vincent Monnier, the senior manager of international relations at CIES, emphasized the importance of partnerships and their productive results, such as the one with Birzeit University and the Palestinian Football Association. 

“We need to develop sports management globally. FIFA is investing billions in advancing the sports management process, as it realizes the importance of building the capacities and improving the performance of workers in this field,” commented Monnier. 

Susan Shalabi, vice president of the Palestinian Football Association, commented that the graduates created new stories of success with their projects and dedication, noting that the graduating students now have a great opportunity to pursue higher education in the sports management field. 

While Marwan Tarazi, director of the Center for Continuing Education, said they were all proud of the students and their final projects, which garnered great attention and excellent rating in the study conducted by CIES. 

Sport in Palestine is an outlet, added Tarazi, and as such it must be managed in a well-researched, methodical manner. 

Malak Mansour, the 2018 class valedictorian, noted in her speech the program’s ability to ready a new generation for the challenges and obstacles that stand in the way of advancing sports in Palestine. “This program, in its variety, is one of the best sports development programs,” she remarked.

At the end of the ceremony, certificates were handed out to students, and it was announced that training for the ninth class of the program will commence.