GOA backs Kenisha Headley for elite coaching programme

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) is supporting Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) coach Kenisha Headley’s participation in the prestigious University of Delaware International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP).

This move marks a significant investment in strengthening coaching expertise within Guyanese athletics.

Headley, a dedicated and long-serving coach and sports administrator, was nominated by the AAG, endorsed by the GOA, and officially selected by the University of Delaware in partnership with Olympic Solidarity.

She will participate in the 16th edition of this elite coaching development initiative.

About the ICECP

The ICECP is a globally respected and intensive programme designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of national-level coaches and coordinators.

The programme, which runs from July 2025 to April 2026, is conducted under the patronage of the University of Delaware, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and Olympic Solidarity.

This comprehensive programme is designed to equip coaches with advanced proficiencies in:

• Sport science
• Talent identification and athlete development
• Athlete safety and welfare
• Coaching ethics and leadership
• Grassroots and high-performance sport development
• Coaching education and management

A core component of the programme involves the creation and execution of a personal coaching project.

This project is designed to implement sustainable improvements within the national sports structure, addressing a developmental gap within the AAG.

It was developed with the participants’ National Olympic Committee and sports federation.

This allows coaches to apply their new expertise to improve their national sport systems.

As part of her orientation, Coach Headley has already commenced work at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Training Center, engaging with expert lecturers, high-performance coaches, and sport development professionals.

Impact on Guyanese athletics

With the sport of athletics in Guyana on a steady rise, this initiative marks a strategic investment in the AAG’s human resource development.

Headley’s participation in ICECP is expected to be a transformative milestone in advancing Guyana’s coaching infrastructure and long-term athlete development pathways.

This initiative also aligns with the GOA’s broader strategic developmental plan, which focuses on maximising Olympic Solidarity resources to build coaching capacities and create sustainable sport systems across all affiliated members.

“The GAPS Programme offers us a rare and transformative opportunity to reset our national approach to Paralympic sport development, developing leaders who understand the challenges and can drive meaningful change by empowering voices and leaders from within the differently-abled community from which national sporting bodies can support and align with, we are promoting not just inclusivity, but authenticity and sustainability.

The GOA envisions this initiative as a cornerstone in a broader national movement where para-sport becomes an integral part of Guyana’s sporting identity, offering hope, opportunity, and empowerment to all,” said Godfrey Munroe, President of the Guyana Olympic Association.

Munroe, and the Executive Committee have extended their congratulations to  Headley, looking forward to the positive impact her training will bring to the future of athletics in Guyana.