Hong Kong Olympians benefit from Career and Education Expo

20 | 10 | 2016

A new career exhibition, which aims to assist elite athletes to transition to life after sport, has been held in Hong Kong for the benefit of local Olympians.

The inaugural exhibition, hosted by Hong Kong’s Athletes Career and Education Programme (HKACEP) under the auspices of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) took place at Olympic House in Hong Kong’s So Kon Po neighbourhood on 16 October. The initiative aimed at providing guidance and support to athletes who are coming to the end of their career or have recently retired.

During the event Olympians had access to seminars, workshops and a jobs hub, giving them invaluable information on potential future careers. A range of industries were also represented, with world renowned brands such as DHL, Disney and Standard Chartered Bank all offering their services to the Olympians.

Mr. Timothy FOK, President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) said:

“HKACEP has been a great success, because from the employers’ perspective, you’re hiring the best people – they’re dedicated and they’re focused. This first-ever Career Exhibition not only celebrates the success of our athletes, but also launches these athletes into new careers in some of the best companies in the world.”

Mr. Ronnie WONG, Hon. Secretary General of the SF&OC thanked the staunch support from different HKSAR Government departments, corporates and education institutes enabling athletes to continue to contribute to the society after their athletic retirement. He expressed that “When organisations are facing talent recruitment challenges, we have developed a pool of well-trained athletes who are striving hard for opportunities to start their “second career” after sporting life, through the support of HKACEP. The Federation welcomes more corporates to join as supporting organizations of HKACEP to provide more job opportunities to our athletes in achieving a win-win situation.”

HKACEP, which was set up by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China in 2008, has helped over 1000 athletes by offering them career counselling, life skills, education scholarships and job opportunities.

To find out more information on HKACEP and the services they provide to athletes in Hong Kong please visit: http://www.hkacep.com/

For all Olympians, the IOC Athlete Career Programme delivered in cooperation with Adecco, offers support to athletes as they prepare for and go through their career transition. Based on three pillars: education, employment and life skills, it is a valuable tool that helps Olympians transition to a life beyond competitive sport. More information on the IOC Athletes Career Programme can be found here.

Photo source: Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC).