As the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympics draws to a close, we have witnessed incredible feats of athleticism, determination, and sportsmanship over the past few weeks, and now eagerly look forward to the Paralympic Games.
The Olympics have once again shown us the power of sport to inspire people across the globe. But as the spotlight fades and some athletes begin to consider life beyond their competitive careers, so begins the important work of supporting them through this crucial transition.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our first round of grants focused on athlete transition support in the UK, anchored around the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We’ve partnered with six outstanding organisations, each bringing unique expertise and innovative approaches to this vital area:
- Switch the Play Foundation
- Mintridge Foundation
- Dame Kelly Holmes Trust
- Human First – Athlete Transition
- ReBoot
- The True Athlete Project
These organisations will work collaboratively to provide a comprehensive support system for athletes who are in need of support, and are navigating the challenges of their next phase. From peer-to-peer mentoring and personal development programs to career guidance and mental health support, our grantees are committed to ensuring athletes have the resources they need to thrive beyond their sporting careers.
We’re particularly excited about the potential for learning and growth in this space. To that end, we’ve partnered with Professor David Lavallee of Abertay University to lead a robust monitoring and learning effort. Working alongside Upshot and State of Life, this team will help us capture valuable insights, measure the impact on athletes.
As we look to the future, we’re eager to see the outcomes of these programs and how they will shape the landscape of athlete transition support. We believe that by working together and sharing knowledge, we can create a more supportive environment for athletes at all stages of their careers.
The Paris Olympics may be over, but for many athletes, a new journey is just beginning. We’re honoured to play a part in supporting them through this transition and excited to see what the future holds.
