July 16, 2009 – LAUSANNE, Switzerland. On July 15, 2009, UIAA, the International Mountainerring and Climbing Federation, became the first World Sport Governing Body to sign a cooperation agreement with The International Academy of Sports Science and Technology (AISTS). The partnership involves collective efforts in education programmes, research, and training.

With headquarters in Bern, Switzerland, and an office in Canada, UIAA has a long standing relationship with the AISTS, and is its largest non-Olympic sports collaborator with more than 82 member federations in 57 countries, representing several million people worldwide.

As an official partner of AISTS, the UIAA will offer the AISTS Masters Candidates in Sport Administration and Technology internships in their offices, not only to satisfy degree requirements but to provide invaluable work experience in an international sport federation. As well, they will serve as lecturers for AISTS courses or seminars and will promote AISTS continuing education amongst their member federations.

“I am delighted that the UIAA has reached a partnership agreement with AISTS,” stated Mike Mortimer, President, UIAA. “As a global organisation, we specifically appreciate that AISTS attracts students from all corners of the world. While we are not one of the richest sports federations, we believe that we can offer AISTS students a ‘hands on’ experience that is often absent at larger federations. We look forward to a long and productive partnership with AISTS, and to a mutually beneficial relationship.”

AISTS, as the official academic partner of UIAA will provide lecturers and speakers for conferences held by UIAA, and will discount UIAA member federations at AISTS seminars. With its pool of Masters graduates, as well as its network of founding members, the AISTS will assist the UIAA in filling job vacancies at the head office.

“AISTS is pleased to solidify its commitment toward research and education in all sports, with its partnership with UIAA,” stated Jan-Anders Manson, President of AISTS. “As an organisation that represents the highest ideals of sport including respect, ethics, safety, innovation and sustainable practices, the UIAA shares the goal of AISTS to promote these values through education to current and future sports leaders.”

AISTS was founded as a centre of education and research in sport in 2000 by a number of partners including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the University of Geneva, the University of Lausanne, the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), the Swiss Graduate School of Public Administration (IDHEAP) and IMD Business School. Each year, AISTS offers the MSA – Master of Advanced Studies in Sport Administration and Technology, as well as continuing education programmes such as the Sustainable Sport and Event Toolkit Seminar, the Sport Event Management and Organisation Seminar (SEMOS), Information, Communication & Technology (ICT), and the Sport Management Seminar for Women.

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AISTS is a renowned centre of excellence for education and research in sport. By integrating sports science, sports business and sports technology, AISTS offers a multi-disciplinary approach to postgraduate education, continuing professional education, and research in the sports industry. For more information, visit www.aists.org.

Media Contact:

Leigh Pezzicara
Marketing & Communications Manager, AISTS
Email: leigh.pezzicara@aists.org
Phone: +41 (0)21 693 85 98