The Herzegovina Bike Association, in collaboration with the International Cycling Union (UCI), organized an educational program for children and young athletes. The training was held as part of the Continental Blidinje BIKE Festival, with UCI sending its experts from Switzerland to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over eight days of lectures, these experts shared their knowledge and experience with sports professionals registered with and operating under the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
A total of 24 participants successfully completed this intensive course, earning the title of international UCI coach. This qualification enables them to work as coaches not only within Bosnia and Herzegovina but also at an international level. The training holds great significance for the development of cycling in the country, and the diploma award ceremony was further highlighted by the presence of the President of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Izeta Rađe, and the President of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Tonija Zorića.
“It is a great honor for me to attend the diploma award ceremony for the newly appointed UCI coaches. Education and the development of sports professionals are crucial for the advancement of sports in our country. This event, organized as part of the Blidinje BIKE Festival, once again confirms our commitment to the development of cycling and sports in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I congratulate all participants on successfully completing the course and wish them much success in their future work", said Izet Rađo, President of the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Through this training, participants have gained new experiences and qualifications that will enable them to better transfer their knowledge and skills to future generations of cyclists. This project will significantly contribute to the development of cycling as a sport in Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing children and young athletes with better conditions for engaging in this sport. Our new UCI coaches will play a key role in guiding and motivating young cyclists, creating a strong foundation for future successes in cycling,” said Toni Zorić, President of the Cycling Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As part of the training, the project "Cycling AGAINST Addiction" was also implemented, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Science. The goal of the project was to educate young athletes, with a special focus on the prevention of substance use and addictive behaviors. All project activities were based on scientific evidence and aligned with internationally recognized interventions and policies for preventing drug use, as outlined in the International Standards for Drug Use Prevention and the European Standards for Quality Prevention of Drug Use.
Educational workshops, recreational cycling events, and professional cycling competitions aimed to empower children and young people to make healthy life choices and inform them about the dangers of drugs and other forms of addictive behavior. In cooperation with the Anti-Doping Control Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and other expert bodies, educational activities were carried out to promote clean sport and prevent doping.
All these activities were designed in accordance with the latest scientific findings and recommendations and are implemented with the goal of reducing the risk of addiction and drug use among children and young people. This approach ensures that the project aligns with international standards for drug use prevention and contributes to long-term positive changes in the community.
The support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Sciencefor this event further emphasizes the importance of developing sports and training coaches in our country.
