Hundreds of sports professionals are to be trained in Qatar by Josoor Institute and Georgetown University through a number of programmes and workshops with a view to facilitate the 2022 FIFA World Cup and beyond.
An agreement to this effect was signed yesterday designating Georgetown University as the academic partner of Josoor Institute, a centre of excellence for the sports and events industries, developed by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).
The pact was signed by Dr Robert M Groves, the provost and executive vice president of  Georgetown University’s Main Campus in Washington, DC, and Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary general of the SC on behalf of Josoor Institute.
“We want to create an ecosystem that can sustain the development of a thriving industry for the decades that will follow 2022 - an ecosystem that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship and spurs job creation - providing opportunities to the young people of our region,” al-Thawadi said.
 “Our long-term vision is to create an ecosystem of practitioners who are connected with each other beyond 2022. We want to create a network through Josoor Institute’s delegates and this network should be spread across the world and is able to rely on each other for the progress of this industry. This is when we will truly be able to create sustainable industries,” he explained.
“The long-term ideal is to serve as a global hub for knowledge, innovation, and excellence in the sports and events industry for Qatar and the region.
“Our belief is that Josoor Institute provides an opportunity for people to equip themselves with the skills  to realise their dream and enter careers in the world of sport and events.”
Al-Thawadi pointed out that as part of the new agreement, Josoor Institute and Georgetown would work together on the development and delivery of existing and new workshops and programmes, ensuring that the standards of all the exercises were in line with international academic standards.
Dr Groves observed that by developing the human capital needed for the growth of the sports and events industries, Georgetown can play a vital role in Qatar and the entire region’s efforts in moving towards a sustainable knowledge-based economy.
“Through our School of Continuing Studies and the McDonough School of Business on Main Campus in Washington DC, we will lead the development, delivery, assessment and review of the diploma and certificate programmes in football and sports management.”
Georgetown University will be working with Josoor Institute to implement a variety of programmes and workshops developed by the university’s industry-leading faculty on a wide spectrum topics associated with the sports and events industries.
Georgetown will also  lead the development of the professional diploma and certificate modules for managerial and leadership core competencies on both football and sports management and events management programmes. The modules will cover topics including business acumen, strategy, people and leadership, management communication, financial management and more.
Josoor Institute was developed by the SC in December 2013. Since its inception more than 1,800 delegates from across the region have attended its workshops and programmes. World-class speakers have been involved in the delivery of 28 workshops and programmes.

Related Story