Thirty-six coaches graduate from the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP)

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP) honored members of its XVI class in a ceremony held April 22 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. 
 

“The International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program 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 Rocky Harris, USOPC chief of sport and athlete services. “We value the tremendous partnership of Olympic Solidarity and the University of Delaware and jointly congratulate this year’s graduating coaches. We wish them the best as they carry forward the program’s legacy and continue to advance sport in their communities.” 
 

Thirty-six coaches from 36 nations and 17 sports received diplomas, representing the 16th class. The ICECP has now reached more than 490 participants from 135 nations and 42 sports since its inception in 2008. Three Olympians turned coaches were among the cohort: Cecilia Linnéa Jonsson, Sweden (sailing, 2020); MD Mahfizur Rahman, Bangladesh (swimming, 50m freestyle, 2012 and 2016); and Hemthon Vitiny (swimming, 50m freestyle, 2008, 2012, 2016).  
 

“The mission of growing sport and making a difference one coach at a time remains as strong as ever,” said Dr. Matthew J. Robinson, professor of sport management, University of Delaware, and director of the ICECP.  “This year’s class has delivered meaningful impact through their projects, demonstrating the leadership and vision needed to advance sport in their countries and contribute to the Olympic Movement. It has been a privilege to partner with the USOPC and Olympic Solidarity support this important work.” 

“Sixteen years ago 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 have shown that they have the potential to be difference makers in sport in their countries and to make contributions to the Olympic Movement,” said Dr. Matthew J. Robinson, professor of sport management, University of Delaware and director of the ICECP. “It has been an honor to work with the USOPC and Olympic Solidarity and with all whom contributed to the program and are thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the high ideals of the Olympic Movement in the US and Globally.” Dr. Matthew J. Robinson, Professor of Sport Management University of Delaware and Director of the ICECP.” 
 

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 sport science, 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.  

“Participating in the ICECP has been one of the most motivating and inspiring experiences of my career,” said Cecilia Jonsson, Sweden. “On a personal level, I have made friends across the globe and had the privilege of sharing in other people's journeys, struggles andtriumphs. Professionally, the program has given me concrete leadership tools, a deeper understanding of the Olympic Movement, and a network of international leaders I can learn from for years to come. The ICECP family is a truly special community.”  
 
 

With prior visits including the University of Delaware and apprenticeship sites across the United States, the module in Lausanne represented the culmination of the coaches’ achievements. While in Lausanne, the coaches had the opportunity to share their projects with their respective international federations.   
 

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