The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has committed to an eight-year extension of the Athlete Career Programme (ACP) operated by Adecco Group.

Before the start of the Olympic Games, Adecco also secured an eight-year extension to the ACP it operates for the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC and IPC programmes have been running since 2005 and 2007 respectively.

The ACP, which is in place in over 15 countries, involves the coaching and training of elite Paralympic athletes and raising awareness of the value Paralympic athletes can bring to the world of work.

IPC president Sir Philip Craven, who also represented Great Britain in wheelchair basketball at five Paralympics, says: “The transition from competition to the workplace can be a difficult and daunting task for many. However, thanks to the co-operation with Adecco it will be far easier for athletes, who have many skills ideal for the workplace, to make the move smoothly and successfully.”