THIRTY COACHES GRADUATE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COACHING ENRICHMENT CERTIFICATE PROGRAM (ICECP)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP) honored members of its XV class in a ceremony held on April 30 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 coaches from 29 nations and 15 sports received diplomas. To date, the ICECP has reached a total of 491 participants from 130 nations and 42 sports since its inception in 2008. Two Olympians turned coaches were among the cohort, Kaleigh Rafter of Canada, softball player and 2008 and 2020 bronze medalist, and Chiang Wai Hung of Hong Kong, athletics competitor who competed in the 100 meters and 4x100-meter relay in 2000 and 2004.

The program, conducted in partnership with the Olympic Solidarity Entourage Unit headed by 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. While in Lausanne, the coaches had the opportunity to share their projects with their respective international federations. 

“The International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program is celebrating 15 successful years and continues to deliver on its promise of connecting coaches from around the world with world-class leadership and training to support sport development in their home nations.” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “We value the tremendous partnership of Olympic Solidarity and the University of Delaware and jointly congratulate the coaches who successfully graduated this year. We wish them the best as they carry on the legacy of the program and dedicate themselves to sport advancement.”

“Fifteen years we launched the ICECP with the stated goals of both growing sport and making the world a better place one coach at a time. This year’s class has exceeded all expectations in the impact they have made in their countries through their projects and shown that they have the potential to be difference makers in sport in their countries and to make contributions to the Olympic Movement. It has been an honor to work with the USOPC on the program and are thankful for the opportunity to contribute.” Dr. Matthew J. Robinson, Professor of Sport Management University of Delaware and Director of the ICECP.

The program was highly regarded by the graduating class, with Claudia Beristain de Rivera, triathlon coach from Mexico reflecting that, “The ICECP program was truly extraordinary—a life-changing experience. Having direct access to such dedicated mentors and world-class teachers who supported us in bringing our projects to life was an incredible privilege.  The final module in Lausanne not only deepened our knowledge in key areas but also allowed us to form lasting bonds with our peers and instructors. One of the most unforgettable moments was receiving our graduation diploma in the presence of Mr. Thomas Bach, President of the IOC—an honor that made the entire journey even more meaningful.”

For more information on ICECP, please visit: https://www1.udel.edu/ICECP/