2 October 2024
Olympic Solidarity Technical Coaching course reaches 40 coaches in Türkiye
From 23-27 September, 40 coaches from across Türkiye were brought together to expand on their curling coaching skills through in the Olympic Solidarity Technical Coach course in Erzurum.
The participants ranged from seasoned national coaches and athletes to a former basketball coach interested in transitioning to curling.
Led by Canada’s Ken Bagnell and World Curling Head of Development Scott Arnold, the course provided both classroom and on ice education. Coaches developed essential off-ice skills necessary for coaching the sport at all levels, while on the ice, they learned how to teach the basics of curling and how to elevate athletes’ performance using modern technology.
The course is part of a broader Olympic Solidarity programme, which the Turkish National Olympic Committee is using to support the growth of curling in their country.
Level of coaching in Türkiye ‘impressive’
“I was thrilled to find out that the Turkish Curling Federation was working with their National Olympic Committee to apply for Olympic Solidarity funding for coach training,” said Arnold. “The successful application, and the ensuing Technical Course for Curling Coaches has been a huge success.”
“The level of coaching knowledge here in Türkiye is very impressive and the curling facility we used in Erzurum is probably one of the nicest curling facilities in the world. From what I have seen here, I expect Türkiye will find itself climbing the world rankings and growing exponentially over the next few years.”
‘I feel ready to overcome challenges’
Of the 40 coaches, 12 were women, including Nazan Bildik, who commented on her experience, “I graduated as a coach and I’ve been curling for ten years. In this programme, I learned the importance of observation to enhance athletes’ skills, and the effects of sweeping, balance, and stone rotation.”
“Scott emphasized mastering basic techniques, and the importance of observation when working with athletes. I feel more educated about using digital materials, and now, my goal is to use these materials in different aspects to help my athletes thrive.”
“On the other hand, Ken taught me how to create annual and daily training plans and assess my athletes’ physiological characteristics to contribute to their growth. I now see how important mental preparation is, and I plan to use different methods and tactics to help my athletes. I am also eager to include more mental training courses in my team practices. With their guidance, I feel ready to overcome challenges on my journey as both a coach and an athlete. I am forever grateful to Scott and Ken for illuminating my path.”
Turkish Curling Federation’s Deputy General Secretary, Utku Yalcin, said, “We were very pleased to organize the Curling Coach Education Development Seminar in Erzurum between September 23-27, 2024 and to host our coaches in Erzurum.”
“Our goal as an organization was to ensure that our curling coaches complete their deficiencies, increase their experience with new information from experts, and provide a social environment for a week to interact. I think we achieved this.
“We would like to thank Scott Arnold and Ken Bagnell who accompanied us in the seminar we organized with the support of Olympic solidarity, the IOC, the Turkish National Olympic Committee and World Curling.”
For information on Coaching Courses currently available through World Curling visit the World Curling Academy website.
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