Lausanne, Switzerland:The International Olympic Committee today underscored its firm commitment to the IOC Athlete Career Programme (ACP) by agreeing to an eight-year extension of its cooperation agreement with the Adecco Group, one of the world’s leading provider of human resources solutions. The deal, signed by IOC President Jacques Rogge and Adecco Group CEO Patrick De Maeseneire at the IOC’s headquarters in Lausanne, ensures that athletes around the world will continue to receive a wide range of assistance aimed at helping them transition smoothly into life after sport.

Adecco worked with the IOC to implement the ACP in 2005 and since then the programme has provided career development and job placement services to more than 10,000 Olympic athletes from over 100 countries. The programme is based on providing athletes with three key tools: education, life skills and employment.

“The extension is another example of how committed the Olympic Movement is to athletes,” said President Rogge. “Athletes are the heart of the Olympic Games and the IOC strives to make sure they are well looked after, both during their athletic careers and after.

"We are very happy our friends at Adecco will continue to support the IOC Athlete Career Programme and help athletes make the transition from competing on the field of play to competing in the labour market.” Also on hand for the signing were IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper, IOC Sports Director Christophe Dubi, Adecco Head of Group Communications Stephan Howeg and Senior Vice President for the IOC ACP Patrick Glennon.

Source: www.olympic.org