The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine (NOC) has launched a mentoring support project “Game Changers”, which aims to help athletes transition to new professional and leadership roles after the end of their sports career.
“This pilot project is part of a broader initiative of the NOC of Ukraine regarding the development of athlete support programs and the introduction of modern approaches to career support. The main idea of the program is to create an effective model of “athlete-to-athlete” mentoring, where experienced leaders of the sports environment share their knowledge and practices with those who are just starting a new stage in life,” the NOC said in a statement.
As part of the project, the first pair of participants has already been formed: the mentor is the bronze medalist of the Olympic Games, a member of the World Athletics Commission of Athletes and an active public figure Anna Ryzhikova, and the mentee is the finalist of the Olympic Games in Tokyo-2020 and Paris-2024, the European champion in rhythmic gymnastics in group exercises Maria Vysochanska, who recently completed her sports career.
“During two months, the participants will work in the format of individual mentoring meetings, online sessions and practical tasks aimed at developing leadership and communication skills, planning a career after sports and strengthening confidence in a new professional field”, the NOC added.
It is expected that the implementation of the initiative will help to improve the mentoring model, check its effectiveness and prepare recommendations for further expansion of the program at the national level.
