The need for greater Legacy planning around Major Events was discussed by executive delegates from Sporting Federations, Major Event Organisations and Consultancies in Austria, Japan, Russia, Turkey, The Netherlands, UK and USA, who attended the World Academy of Sport Intensive Executive Administration Programme at Manchester Business School from May 30 to June 4.  

Industry professionals alongside academics from Manchester Business School made presentations on a carefully prepared range of detailed topics – Finance & Governance, Major Acquisition & Delivery, Broadcast Media & Digital Convergence, Marketing Management, Sponsorship Procurement, Innovation, New Technology Integration, Legacy Planning, Stakeholder Relations, Sport & Athlete Programme Development, Volunteer Support and Leading Through Change.

Commenting on the Intensive Executive Administration Programme, Chris Solly, World Academy of Sport Director, stated:  “Sport, at every level, is in a transitional phase.  By bringing together industry professionals with academics and delegates working at exceptionally high levels – we established a forum for both learning and debate.  All those attending shared experiences and ambitions and will remain in close contact as they take new strategies back to their workplace”.

This intensive programme is designed for maximum interaction and knowledge sharing. Each delegate is involved in both group preparatory work, relating to a major event legacy programme, and in developing an individual project.   A team of industry leading experts were involved throughout – giving those attending a unique opportunity to take vital and creative learning back to their workplace.   The need for legacy to be integrated from the beginning of an event, even from the bidding phase, was the consensus from the group project and a number of implementation models for legacy programmes were identified.

Delegates also heard a key note speech on “The Growth of the Modern Olympics” by Francois Carrard, Director General of the International Olympic Committee 1989-2003, in which he made particular reference to the positive and good work being done by London 2012 particularly around the UK, not just London, Legacy programmes.  Additionally Francois provided first hand experience, as part of the programme, in a session on Communication and Leadership and was able and willing to answer detailed questions on differing leadership styles and many aspects of the organisation of the Olympic Games.

For more information about the World Academy of Sport and the Executive programmes please visit http://www.wasec.mbs.ac.uk/