The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has teamed up with recruitment agency Adecco to launch The Athlete’s Career Programme – a scheme designed to help athletes find work at the end of their sporting careers.

The agreement was signed this month by the IOC’s president, Jacques Rogge and Adecco’s chief executive officer, Jérôme Caille.

A spokesperson for Adecco said: “Sports competition requires such a huge personal investment from athletes that it leaves them very little time to prepare for their professional future. Many of them finish their sporting career and find it difficult to move on with their professional lives.”

Jacques Rogge added: “Athletes are at the core of the Olympic movement. They dedicate their lives to sports and it is only right that sports should give them something back at the end of their sporting careers. We believe this is a great step for the Olympic movement.”

For 2005, 13 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) have been selected to participate.

“We are honoured that the IOC has chosen Adecco for the implementation of the Athlete’s Career Programme worldwide,” said Jérôme Caille.

“The abilities developed by athletes during their sporting career are extremely valuable and it is our responsibility to contribute to their success in the world of work.”