THIRTY-FOUR COACHES GRADUATE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COACHING ENRICHMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM (ICECP)
by USOPC
LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP) honored members of its XIV class in a ceremony, held on April 24 at the International Olympic Committee headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
A joint program of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the University of Delaware, and Olympic Solidarity (a department of the International Olympic Committee), the ICECP provides national-level coaches with enhanced coaching and leadership skills and the latest coaching principles enabling them to develop sport in their respective countries.
Thirty-four coaches from 33 nations and 18 sports received diplomas from the International Olympic Committee President, Mr, Thomas Bach. The ICECP has reached a total of 491 participants from 130 nations and 42 sports since its inception in 2008. Three Olympians turned coaches were among the cohort, Kareem Ennab Jordan (Swimming, 2012), Ola Shelton, Poland (Fencing, 2004, ’08, ’12, & ’16) and Dirk Van Tichelt, 2016 Bronze medalist from Belgium (Judo, 2008, ’12 & ’16).
The program, conducted in partnership with the Olympic Solidarity Entourage Unit headed by Mr. Yassine Yousfi, aims to assist national-level and active coaches in developing proficiency in the areas of sport sciences, talent identification, athlete development, safe sport, coaching education, coaching management, and grassroots sport development. The intended outcome is for ICECP participants to return to their countries, serve as both coaches and experts within their respective sports, and become foundation builders for future coaches and athletes while spreading the Olympic and Paralympic spirit.
With prior visits including Colorado Springs, Colorado, the University of Delaware and apprenticeship sites in the United States, the module in Lausanne represented the culmination of the achievements of the coaches. In Lausanne, the coaches had the opportunity to visit their respective International Federations and share their projects. The coaches also participated in a coaching and professional development workshop.
The graduation took place at Olympic House, home of the International Olympic Committee. Each coach presented their final project in front of an audience of their peers, tutors, IOC staff and International Federations.
Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, David Haggerty, President of the International Tennis Federation and International Olympic Committee member, and Pur Biel, 2016 Refugee Olympic Team member and International Olympic Committee member addressed the ICECP cohoes and presented the coaches with their diplomas. Dr. Matthew Robinson, ICECP Academic Director from the University of Delaware also presented the diplomas.
“We are thrilled to congratulate the XIV class of the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program participants and we thank them for their commitment to broadening their expertise to best serve the modern athlete,” said Sarah Hirshland, USOPC Chief Executive Officer. “Partnering with Olympic Solidarity and University of Delaware gives us the opportunity to provide coaches with world-class training opportunities, as well as the pathway to connect with coaches and instructors from across the world of sport. We honor the critical role coaches play in the success of athletes, both on and off the field of play, and we celebrate the continuing impact of ICECP in helping coaches and athletes alike achieve their sporting goals.”
“Participating in the ICECP has been transformative for me both personally and professionally. As a coach and a leader the program exposed me to a breadth of coaching philosophies and techniques, significantly enhancing my approach to coaching. The diverse network of mentors and peers provided me with unique insights into the complexities of sports coaching across different cultures and environments, which has been instrumental in broadening my perspective,” said Kareem Ennab OLY (Swimming, 2012). The leadership skills developed during the ICECP have empowered me to take on more significant roles within my sports community. “Learning about advanced training methodologies, sports science, and athlete management has equipped me with the tools to implement more effective training programs and foster a positive sports culture. Moving forward, this experience will fuel my commitment to developing sports in my country by nurturing talent and promoting inclusive and sustainable sports practices.”
For the XIV ICECP Graduating Class and Tutor Roster, please visit: XIV ICECP RosterFor more information on ICECP, please visit: https://www1.udel.edu/ICECP/