The 2016 edition of the scheme, which is open to minorities and people of colour, is due to begin tomorrow and conclude on June 12 at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

The programme aims to inspire the students to take up careers in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

It provides participants with the chance to earn USOC internships to further their involvement in the industry and gives them the chance to study the Olympic and Paralympic Movement in-depth.

The FLAME initiative will also include a series of professional development workshops, leadership seminars and networking sessions as well as additional activities such as Olympic and Paralympic sport demonstrations.

An exhibition of golf, organised by the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), and a hike at the Garden of the Gods Park in Colorado Springs are due to take place during the week.

This year’s intake on the programme features students from 16 states across the US and they will be treated to speeches and talks from a number of Olympians and Paralympians.

Two-time Olympic bobsleigh medallist Elana Meyers Taylor, winner of a silver at Sochi 2014 and bronze at Vancouver 2010, is among the list of speakers, along with fencer Ivan Lee and Paralympic wheelchair basketball player Jermell Pennie.

Others due to speak as part of the FLAME programme include Paula Boggs, former executive vice president and general counsel of coffee giants Starbucks, Sandy Cross, senior director of diversity and inclusion for PGA of America, and former National Football League player Wade Davis.