Barbadian Olympian, educator, and national coach Kierre Beckles, OLY, will represent the island at the upcoming NIKE TAFISA CANOC Girls Positive and Safe Coaching Pathway Workshop, which will be held from September 18–19, in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Organised through a strategic partnership between NIKE, The Association for International Sport for All (TAFISA), and the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), aims to address gender disparities and promote great female participation in the sport.
By training coaches directly, the workshop will focus on helping create safe space, accessible and supportive sporting for young women across the region.
Beckles, a 2016 Rio Olympian and former elite hurdler, brings extensive experience to the workshop. As a former elite hurdler, 15-time national champion, and former national record holder in the 100m hurdles, she understands firsthand the transformative power of sport.
Since 2019, Beckles has served as a Physical Education Teacher at Princess Margaret Secondary School, and she also serves as the Head Coach of the BOSEN Academy Track Club. Holding International Level 1 and Level 2 National Coaching Certifications, she has also served as a Barbados National Coach at the CARIFTA Games, NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Championships.
“I am incredibly honoured and grateful to be selected for this workshop, which aligns perfectly with my mission as an educator and coach,” said Beckles.
“My goal has always been to use my experiences on and off the field to inspire and guide the next generation. Participating in this pathway will equip me with more critical tools needed to break down barriers, foster body confidence, and ensure that our female athletes feel safe, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential in sport.”
Over the intensive two-day curriculum, Beckles and other regional participants will engage in a programme focused on practical approaches to coaching young women.
“We are immensely proud to support Kierre Beckles’ participation in this programme,” stated Janelle Denny, Director of the National Olympic Academy of Barbados. “As an Olympian who transitioned seamlessly into an elite coach and teacher, Kierre exemplifies the leadership and passion we need to drive systemic change. This workshop is a key milestone in our ongoing commitment to gender equity, and we are confident she will bring back invaluable insights to benefit our local athletic community.”
(PR/KH)
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