A public welfare plan to train retired athletes for new careers was launched Thursday in Beijing.

The training camp to open new doors for those once brilliant in sport competitions was initiated by Sina Sports, China's major sport portal and sport marketing giant, and co-supported by China's major athletes' associations caring for retired athletes.

Twelve retired athletes from different sports will participate in a 6-12-month internship that includes training courses, tutoring, workforce preparation, post shift and a test and Sina Sports will help them find a new career.

Wei Jianglei, senior vice-president of Sina Group and general manager of Sina Sports, called enterprises, schools and various organizations to offer retired athletes job and internship opportunities.

"Athletes do boast greater tenacity and bravery and better teamwork spirit than ordinary people. These are essential in building up their career in workplace," Wei said.