Colombian ICECP graduate visits World Archery HQ

When archery development in Colombia was reviewed recently, it was found that the lack of cohesion in coaching structure and among archers from region to region was a major obstacle to the sport’s progression. It was agreed that it was time for change – and Maria Victoria ECHAVARRIA was given the responsibility to affect that change. She was put forward for the USA National Olympic Committee and University of Delaware’s ICECP, an international coaching development programme.

Maria Victoria was an elite archer whose career began in 1972. She competed at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games and was still shooting internationally in the lead up to London 2012, although she did not qualify. “It’s the best sport ever,” she says. “No age limit. Anyone can practice and I enjoy it very much.”

Putting her experience in the sport to good effect, she recently graduated with honours from ICECP.

Her course project focused heavily on coaching methodology and system, and her final project was aptly named “10: The Perfect Shot. The Role of the Coach”.

Maria Victoria investigated the most effective way of reviewing national coaching structure – a project currently in progress in Colombia – and the best way to approach improvement. She is in currently in charge of development in Colombia, working closely with national coaches, regions, clubs and schools through the organisation of seminars, coaching courses, local competitions and more.

Together with her ICECP tutor Tracy LAMB, Director of the USA Olympic Training Centre, Maria Victoria visited World Archery headquarters in Lausanne on 27 April 2015. The pair introduced Maria Victoria’s project to World Archery’s Olympic Games and WAEC Director Juan Carlos HOLGADO and Senior Development Coordinator Deqa NIAMKEY, as well as asked for advice on the activities in Colombia.

One useful tip given by Juan Carlos, was on the presentation and how to keep your audience focused so that your message gets across. The advice was to shorten the presentation content and work in groups with the coaches tin order to delegate the tasks.