3 swim coaches complete Level 2 World Aquatics coaching course

NMI swim coaches that guided swimmers to their medal rush during the 10th Micronesian Games—Richard Sikkel, Christian Villacrusis, and David Roberto—found time to be more competent and certified after they completed the Level 2 World Aquatics coaching course.

While NMI national swimmers racked up medals left and right, the three coaches concurrently took and completed the five-day Coaches Certification course in the U.S. Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll from June 16 to June 20.

The course was led by instructor Haydn Belshaw, the Development Coordinator for Oceania. The certification is valid for four years.

According to the World Aquatics courses for coaches guidelines, the program serves as a pivotal component within the World Aquatics Development Programme, aiming not only to bolster the skills and competencies of Aquatics coaches globally but also to grant them the recognition of becoming World Aquatics certified coaches.

Also, the guidelines said, “Coaches are the guiding forces behind an athlete’s journey, providing them with the knowledge, guidance, and motivation needed to excel in their sport. By offering aquatics coaches worldwide the chance to enhance their skills, the World Aquatics Coaches Certification programme not only invests in the growth of individual coaches but also contributes to the overall development of Aquatics standards on a global scale. Through rigorous training, up-to-date techniques, and exposure to best practices, certified coaches can effectively nurture athletes, helping them unlock their full potential.”

The three objectives of the course are to promote sport’s growth by offering continuous learning pathways for coaches; identify and develop necessary competencies for aquatics coaches; and develop and educate aquatics coaches for the advancement of the sport.

When asked how NMI swim coaches heard of the course, Sikkel said, “WA and Oceania make an effort to offer courses and/or workshops for coaches or officials when we get together for bigger events like Oceania Champs, Micronesian Games, or World Champs. Since we are all there, they seized the opportunity to offer continuing education for coaches and officials.”

On how this will benefit NMI swimmers and the program, he said, “Staying abreast with the latest changes and developments in swim coaching will allow the NMI Swimming Federation coaches to unlock NMI swimmers’ full potential.”

He added, one of the NMI Swimming Federation’s goals for the 2024 season was to have more coaches highly qualified and certified through World Aquatics. “Having three more coaches with Level 2 credentials is a step in the right direction,” said Sikkel.