CECA presents in MARCA the Financial Education for Athletes project, with dual Olympic medallist Ona Carbonell as its patron.
One of the most painful images in the world of sport is seeing idols fall. Those professionals who at one time wowed on the field and who end up absolutely lost. It often occurs as a result of financial difficulties, and cases like that of Delonte West, ruined after having been an NBA star, come to the fore. Athletes therefore need to educate themselves on the subject. Financial education is an obligation, and thanks to this CECA initiative it is brought to reality with a course that is committed to improving the financial education of athletes.
CECA is the association of banks and savings banks, and its members include CaixaBank, Kutxabank and Cajasur Banco, Abanca, Unicaja Banco, Ibercaja Banco, Caixa Ontinyent, Colonya Pollença and Cecabank, and presents the Financial Education for Athletes project.
A vital step in the world of sport, to which various federations and entities have adhered, and which has the best possible ambassador: Ona Carbonell. It was unveiled at MARCA, 'a place that is always committed to training in sport', according to Juan Ignacio Gallardo, director of the leading newspaper.
The project originated from the swimmer herself. I told them that there was a deep lack of knowledge in the field of financial education. Not even basic concepts. In the end, retirement is very difficult, whether you are a star or otherwise. We therefore need this knowledge and understanding,' says the dual Olympic medallist.
This is the CECA project: Financial Education for Athletes
The course was presented in detail by Margarita Castañeda, CECA's Head of Communication and Branding. It consists of three parts. The first provides basic knowledge, which any person, without the need to be an athlete, should have. The second part is where sport is brought into the picture: Personal Financial Management for Professional Athletes, covering aspects ranging from financial planning, through to vulnerability, financial decisions and support tools.
'The Financial Education Course for Athletes will be a team effort, learning and discussing it together', says Ona Carbonell, dual Olympic medallist.
In addition, it has the great advantage of relying on the requests of athletes and federations. The syllabus, prepared by Cecabank's Banking Training School, is complemented by reality. Problems and aspects that are necessary for athletes.
Lastly, the course closes with the presentation of case studies, success stories and failures, which show why this is a fundamental aspect. The course is completely flexible, runs for 15 hours and athletes can adapt it to their professional career over a period of six months.
Ona Carbonell and the Spanish National Synchronised Swimming Team will take part in it, and in the best way possible: as a team. 'I think it will be something we will do as a team. In my team, in particular, we do everything together. And I'm sure we will learn together and discuss it at the same time,' she confesses.
