Two sailors graduate from the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme

Thirty-six coaches from 36 nations and 17 sports received diplomas, representing  the 16th class. Among them were two sailors. Cecilia Linnéa Jonsson (SWE), who competed in the Mixed Multihull at Tokyo 2020, and Rodrigo Colorado, the President of the El Salvador Sailing Federation who graduated from World Sailing’s Coach Scholarship Programme in 2022. 

“Participating in the ICECP has been one of the most motivating and inspiring experiences of my career,” said Jonsson. “On a personal level, I have made friends across the globe and had the privilege of sharing in other people’s journeys, struggles and triumphs. Professionally, the programme 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.”   

 

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Rodrigo Colorado praised World Sailing for supporting his journey, saying: “Receiving the ICECP Diploma at the IOC Headquarters was truly an honour and a very meaningful milestone for me personally and professionally. 

“The ICECP came at the perfect moment for the current stage of sailing development in El Salvador. My project focused on ‘Long-Term Engagement and Retention,’ exploring how we can create stronger pathways for young sailors to remain connected to the sport, not only as athletes, but also as future coaches, volunteers, leaders, and professionals within the sailing community. By combining the lessons learned through the ICECP with the development philosophy and educational resources from World Sailing, my vision for the future of sailing in El Salvador has broadened significantly.  

“The experience reinforced the importance of sustainable growth, community engagement, education, and creating an environment where young people can develop both on and off the water. I am inspired to continue building opportunities for the next generation and to contribute to the long-term growth of sailing in El Salvador and our region. 

“I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to World Sailing for the investment and commitment being made toward the development of sailing worldwide, and especially for the support provided to emerging nations such as El Salvador. Programmes like ICECP create opportunities that go far beyond education; they help leaders return home with new tools, vision, and motivation to strengthen the sport in a sustainable way.” 

A joint programme of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), 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 Programme 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.”  

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.    

More information on the ICECP is available on the official website.   

Images courtesy of Christophe Moratal