Interview with Alena Kurlovich (Italy), Special Advisor to the President of IBSA

“We are creating a unique global educational platform”

– Alena, you recently took the lead in developing an international educational system under IBSA. What is the core idea of the project?

The main goal is to provide athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators involved in blind sports with access to high-quality, modern, and internationally recognized education. We aim to build a comprehensive, inspiring, and structured knowledge system. The platform will cover not only technical training but also fundamental values—such as inclusivity, ethics, and sustainability.

Key areas of the educational courses include:

• Training coaches and referees with methods specific to athletes with visual impairments;
• Programs for sports administrators and organizing committees on managing international events;
• Courses on anti-doping policies, athlete classification, and sports ethics.

We are also addressing priorities raised by our member countries:

• Sport-specific rules and their accessibility for blind athletes;
• Adaptation of training methods for IBSA sports;
• Management of IBSA sports events;
• Athlete preparation for international competitions.

Another important mission of the project will be to create a system for standardization and certification within IBSA.

– Will there be a registration system for IBSA professionals?

Yes, we will establish a centralized registry of certified professionals, including:

• Information on coaches, referees, administrators, and classifiers;
• Certification levels and expiration dates;
• Course history and completed trainings;
• Regular registration and updates on the platform, with ongoing monitoring. Only certified specialists will be eligible to work at official IBSA events.

– Will the platform be digital?

Yes, primarily. The current reality requires a digital-first approach. It also helps save resources for our members. We are building a modular, multilingual platform featuring courses, video materials, webinars, presentations, and mandatory assessments. Participants who successfully complete courses will receive international certificates. While the core of the learning will be online, we plan to add in-person courses and internships in different regions in the future.

1.Education for All: Accessible and Flexible

– Who will be able to access the training?

Everyone working in or aspiring to work in blind sports: coaches, referees, technical delegates, classifiers, administrators, volunteers, youth leaders, and even athletes themselves. The platform will be flexible and accessible for blind users. For example, a young coach from Africa or Asia will be able to take a basic online course in their own language for free. International referees can upgrade their qualifications and obtain global certification.

2. Course Development

– Who is developing the educational content?

We are assembling a working group of leading IBSA experts, representatives from international federations, and academic institutions. The courses will meet international standards and be tailored to the specific needs of blind sports. We’re drawing on the expertise of Olympic and Paralympic federations, including FIFA, UEFA, IJF, and others.

We are also involving digital education specialists to ensure interactivity, accessibility, and a wide variety of learning tools, with direct communication between participants and organizers.

3. Why Does IBSA Need This?

– Why is this project important for IBSA as an organization?

Because education is the foundation of sustainable growth. Without well-trained professionals, it’s impossible to raise the level of competition, ensure athlete safety, or earn the trust of partners. It’s especially important for youth development and junior programs. We also need to harmonize coaching approaches across countries and elevate the status of IBSA globally. This platform will help us do that and offer new opportunities for funding. We are not just providing education—we are building a values-based global community.

 4. Free or Paid Access?

– Will the platform be free of charge?

Some courses and certifications—especially those that provide international recognition—will have a fee. But basic courses for developing countries will be offered for free. It will be a cross-subsidized model. At the same time, certification will become mandatory for working at IBSA official events. Without it, one won’t be allowed to coach or officiate at international competitions. We want qualifications to be transparent and officially verified.

5.When Will the Platform Launch?

– When do you expect the platform to launch?

We plan to start with a pilot phase. After that, we will expand the number of courses, add more languages, and begin cooperation with universities and IBSA members. I believe that by the time the IBSA Games are held in 2027, the platform will become a fully developed educational system.

6.A Personal Perspective

– What does this project mean to you personally?

For me, it’s not just a project—it’s an investment in IBSA’s future. I truly believe that ongoing education changes lives. If a blind child in Latin America, Asia, or Africa is coached by a properly trained professional thanks to our program—that will be our shared victory. I feel a strong sense of responsibility and inspiration. And I want to take this opportunity to thank the President of IBSA, the Council members, and the entire sports team for their support.