Azerbaijani first Safe Sport certified coach: "The project aims to protect youth and children."

Ayan Khankishiyeva, the first Azerbaijani coach to receive a Safe Sport certificate under the International Coaching Enrichment Certification Program (ICECP), shared her impressions of her success.

In an interview with "Report", the coach evaluated her participation in the program.

She spoke about the project's goal:

"I participated in the coaching improvement program with the support of the National Olympic Committee and successfully completed it. It was a great honor to be selected for participation in the program. The program, which started in April last year, lasted for a year. During this time, we took many lessons on coaching, management methods, and psychological preparation. I chose Safe Sport as a project. I gained both theoretical and practical knowledge. The program did not end only with learning. They also directed us to think and apply what we know in our country. I spent all the main parts of the 6-month project in Azerbaijan. After research, we collected data and identified real needs in this area. The aim of the project is to protect especially young people and children in the sports environment. I am currently planning to expand and continuously implement this project within the Sports Academy."

The expert also became familiar with the working principles of an internationally operating organization in the USA:

"I had the opportunity to gain experience in the "USA Cycling" organization in the USA. This allowed me to learn the working principles of an internationally operating organization. I had worked in Europe before. The cycling system in the USA and Europe is completely different. It was very interesting to analyze both systems. Finally, the official graduation ceremony of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was held last week in Lausanne. It was a proud and unforgettable moment for me to receive my diploma from IOC President Thomas Bach. I have participated in several such programs to date. But ICECP was a completely different experience. This program gave me a new perspective in terms of knowledge, practical skills, and international cooperation. This experience was a big step for me as a coach and a solid base for contributing to sports."