The National Olympic Committees of Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, Slovenia, and Greece took part in the European Union (EU)-funded OCDC project to help athletes at the end of their sporting careers. "Athletes' careers are short and often unpredictable, so as NOCs we work hard to encourage athletes to develop the skills that will help them succeed beyond their sporting careers.

"Athletes' careers are short and often unpredictable, which is why as a National Olympic Committee we are working hard to encourage athletes to develop the skills that will help them be successful beyond their career in sport.

"We regularly invite them to training sessions and organise seminars. The project has resulted in a free training channel for athletes who are just starting their careers or who have already finished," said Agnė Vanagienė, Deputy Director for Olympic Sports at the Lithuanian NOC.

A survey of 500 athletes from the five countries identified their needs. As a result, the platform will offer training in human resources, mental health, branding, communication, and marketing. 

"This project was born because in recent years while working for the Polish Ministry of Sport and Tourism and at the Olympic Committee, I have seen many athletes who cannot find their way after their sporting careers," said Marcin Nowak, the initiator of the project and President of the Organising Committee of the European Games 2023. 

Several well-known Olympians who are currently working for their National Olympic Committees will also take part in the project, such as Luiza Zlotkowska, who is a former short-track speed skater and a two-time Olympic medallist.