Having successfully completed the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme (ICECP), Shinamo Bailey is eager and willing to put all that he has learnt into the local Cycling landscape.

Bailey, who heads the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union (SVGCU), having been elected to the post in March of this year, started the ICECP in 2000. However, the programme was prolonged because of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the delays and setbacks, Bailey was able to complete his project that dealt with the establishment of a BMX programme here in SVG.

“ It is my hope through the knowledge gained, that the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cycling Union is able to have a pump track sometime in the not-too-distant future and to have BMX Cycling Championship yearly,” Bailey said he is cognizant that despite his aspirations, it is not a task for a single individual.

“Nevertheless, despite all that I have learnt, it was my hope to implement plans for the continued development of the sport of Cycling, but I cannot do it alone …the togetherness of the cycling family is essential”, Bailey pointed out.

“It was a phenomenal experience participating … the classroom sessions were informative, thought-provoking, and interactive as the experts shared along with my fellow participants, it was a learning opportunity from all angles,” Bailey added.

As a consequence of Bailey’s involvement in ICECP, he has been empowered in the areas of coaching leadership, sport sciences, talent identification, athlete development, coaching education, grass roots sports development, and ethical aspects of coaching at all levels of competition and across multiple sports.

Commenting on the overall impact that the programme has had on his personal development, Bailey said “It was great to be able to meet and interact with coaches from various sports and countries throughout the world …”.

“We had great camaraderie and life bonds were formed.”

Bailey was among 31 coaches from 27 countries and 17 sporting disciplines who were part of the latest cohort who received their Diploma on April 24, at a ceremony held at the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Bailey therefore joins other Vincentian coaches, namely, Nikita Campbell and Eardley Martin-Volleyball; Rosmund Griffith and Rawlson Morgan- Track and Field; Jenny Trumble- Sailing; and Kyle Dougan- Aquatics, as graduates of the programme.

Since the programme began in 2008, a total of 457 participants from 125 countries in 39 sports, have been benefited.

ICECP is a collaborative effort of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the University of Delaware, and Olympic Solidarity.