IOC Unveils Education Platform For Athletes
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to launch a free, online education service at its Athlete Career Programme Forum next month.
The platform is aimed specifically at Olympians, elite athletes and their coaches with leading academics, sports institutes, sports leaders, and former Olympians having contributed to the programme content, which includes courses and live online seminars.
The launch of the IOC Athlete Gateway comes after recommendation 18 of Agenda2020 called for more support for athletes after their sporting careers have ended, including the development of athlete career programmes with all relevant stakeholders and increasing engagement with athletes over what the future holds.
“The long-term interests of athletes are a priority for the IOC,” said IOC President Thomas Bach, who announced the upcoming launch.
“Through Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC has a unique opportunity to act as a bridge between busy athletes and the world’s best academics and learning tools.
“The IOC Athlete Learning Gateway will allow athletes to shape their futures while still pursuing their athletic careers.”
The pilot programme for the IOC Athlete Learning Gateway was evaluated by the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission, Entourage Commission and a dedicated independent Academic Advisory Board, with Bach agreeing on their recommendation to establish the full service as part of Olympic Agenda 2020.
“This is just one of many important new initiatives being driven by the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms, which will strengthen and improve support for the athletes,” said IOC Athletes’ Commission chair and Athens 2004 silver medal-winning fencer Claudia Bokel.
“This inspiring free electronic platform will give athletes, wherever they may be in the world and at whatever stage of their athletic career, access to educational material produced by leading academics and athletes.
“This is an important step forward for the welfare of athletes.”
IOC Entourage Commission chair and pole vault legend Sergey Bubka added: “The life of an athlete is extremely busy: they are constantly on the road; they spend a lot of time training.
“It is very difficult to find the time to study, to properly prepare for life after sport. But thanks to the many changes brought about by Olympic Agenda 2020, athletes will continue to be given more and more opportunities like the IOC Athlete Learning Gateway.
“This online tool gives athletes the means to successfully combine sport and education for brighter futures.”
The programme will provide support to elite athletes in the areas of education, life skills and employment. Founders of the programme are hoping it will draw more young athletes into sport, as they aim to facilitate education and job opportunities during and after their sporting careers.
