The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched the Athletes’ Career Programme, designed to facilitate the integration of athletes into the labour market at the end of their sporting careers.
Sports competition requires such a huge personal investment from athletes that it leaves them very little time to prepare for their professional future.
Many finish their sporting careers and find it difficult to move on with their professional lives.
To address the issue, the programme will provide professional career development services worldwide, during and after athletes sporting careers.
Thirteen National Olympic Committees have been selected to participate in the programme in 2005.
IOC President Jacques Rogge said: “[Athletes] dedicate their lives to sports and it is only right that sports should give them something back at the end of their sporting careers.”
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The IOC has chosen recruitment consultancy Adecco to implement the programme.
Dedicated teams and a tailored methodology, which includes professional assessment, career planning, training, coaching and placement, will help 2,000 athletes back into the labour market, the IOC said.
