CRI听力: Athletes More Adaptable under Educational Programs

Winning a gold medal is not easy. However, for many retired athletes, restarting thier careers after retirement is harder. Among China's 200,000 registered athletes, previously only the "outstanding" of them were aided in their search for another job after retirement. A training program offered by the Chinese Athletes Educational Foundation aims to help  athletes especially the retired ones.

Zhang Wan has more.

Reporter:

In China, there are over 200,000 registered athletes. Most of them began their training as early as six or seven years old, thus most are unable to fulfill the normal academic education of their peers.

With the introduction of policies by the government, some outstanding athletes can take up jobs after they retire. But most retired athletes can face a tough time establishing themselves in society due to a lack of a degree or living skills.

In 2004, China's General Administration of Sport announced that outstanding athletes can access higher education without the requirement of an entrance exam upon retirement. However, hundreds of retired athletes were not included in this "outstanding" group.

Training programs offered by the Chinese Athletes Educational Foundation aim to help retired athletes. Zhou Jihong, one of the founders of the foundation explains:

"We provide them with lessons in English, life-planning etc. We try to help the athletes update themselves and build up their confidence."

Some trainees say they have benefited a lot from further study and training after they retire. As a need is identified for the athletes, the relevant programs are opened, such as how to face the media.

Until now, there are over 683 athletes who have partaken in the English language classes. Pool player Pan Xiaoting says she has benefited a lot from the program.

"Now I can give my award-winning speeches in English. I've also made many American friends there; we exchange views on how to improve our pool skills. Now I have no problem with daily communication. Even if you put me in America for a month I would be fine."

Some retired athletes say they wish to alter people's prejudices against athletes who lack a regular education, because they can also be well-educated.
With further study and training, many retired athletes have won more "gold medals" in their second careers since the 1980s. (www.hXen.com)

An example of this is China's gymnast Li Ning. Entitled the "Prince of gymnastics", he retired from sporting competition in 1988, and in 1990 he founded leading Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning, which sells footwear and sporting apparel. He has now become a successful entrepreneur.

For China Drive, I am Zhang Wan.