ATHLETES PREPARE FOR LIFE AFTER THEIR CHOSEN SPORT
THE ONLY EVENT OF IT'S KIND IN THE UK
Midlands businesses are being called upon to help Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic heroes prepare for life outside of their chosen sport.
Medalists from the London, Sochi and most recent Rio Games as well as aspiring Olympians and Paralympics will be visiting the Athlete Futures event at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Tuesday, 1 November between 10am and 4pm to find out about their future career opportunities.
In the only event of its kind in the UK, the event aims to connect British elite athletes with businesses and organisations to help them identify opportunities that will help make them job ready when they retire.
The event has already attracted big names such as PwC, Aldi, Halfords and Muller Group, as well as representatives from the armed forces and National College of Teaching, with more expected to sign up between now and the event.
Athlete Futures is being organised on behalf of UK Sport, the British Olympic Association, the British Paralympic Association and the English Institute of Sport by Moving Ahead, an organisation dedicated to developing future leaders in sport and business as well as helping athletes transition from life as an elite athlete into their future career.
Liz Nicholl, CEO of UK Sport said, “The athletes that represent the nation in Olympic and Paralympic sports dedicate years of their lives in the relentless pursuit of excellence – to be the very best they can, to win on the world stage and to make the nation proud.
“On their journey they benefit from significant government and National Lottery investment to develop their unique technical and personal qualities, and skills that make them the best in the world. In the sporting world, they are undoubtedly our greatest asset.
“Given the opportunity they can also become a significant asset to the business world when they transition from their full time commitment to sport. This is a call to the business world to say you can grasp this opportunity by being a part of the athletes’ futures.”
Monica Relph, former international rower and programme manager at Moving Ahead, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to engage with the very best British athletes.
“We are on the search for businesses able to offer tangible and meaningful opportunities for our athletes - whether it is job shadowing opportunity, internships or the opportunity of employment.
“If you were inspired by the incredible achievements of our athletes in Rio over the summer please consider whether you can open your doors and provide an inspirational opportunity for our athletes”
Andy Gibb, managing director at the Ricoh Arena, believes staging an event like this is a coup for the region.
He added: “Following our highly successful I am Team GB event, we’re thrilled to welcome back the Olympians.
“Our Olympic and Paralympic athletes have dedicated their lives to winning medals on the world stage and make our country proud.
“We regard the Ricoh Arena as a home for elite sport and career development is an important part for both Wasps Rugby and Wasps Netball players, so we are delighted to play a role in this event which strives to support the nations’ sporting heroes.”