Through Alberta Biathlon, this project provided support for Emma to complete her Completion Introduction Coaching Certification, including the required education and practical coaching experience. As a former Canadian Biathlon National Team athlete transitioning into coaching, this project provided an important first step for Emma's coaching journey and helped build the skills, experiences, and credentials needed to continue developing as a coach. The assistant coaching opportunities provided valuable practical experience in a competition environment, contributed coaching hours toward the practical experience requirements of the Competition Introduction certification, and allowed Emma to further develop and apply my coaching skills.

The project involved 35 total participants, including 30 athletes, 3 coaches, and 2 coach evaluators. The athletes participated in the coached activities, while the coaches and evaluators supported the delivery, development, and assessment of the project.

"As a retired national team athlete transitioning from an athlete to coaching role, this project helped reduce barriers by providing financial support to gain certification and practical experience. Increasing the number of qualified female coaches in biathlon should hopefully help promote greater gender equity and representation in sport leadership."