COPF launches mental preparation certification

The French Polynesian Olympic Committee (COPF) introduced the Specific Skills Certificate (CCS) in 2026 to help athletes prepare mentally, especially for the 2027 Pacific Games. This program was developed in collaboration with Franck Bellard and Éric Zorgnotti, who aimed to fill a gap in mental training for athletes in the region.

First session sees high success rate

The first CCS session, running from January to April 2026, included 12 participants, of whom 10 completed the certification. A second session started in September 2026 with eight candidates, and group sessions are being held at the IJSPF with Régis Louis, an expert in mental preparation, leading the sessions.

CCS focuses on knowledge, not official roles

The CCS does not formally recognize mental preparers but ensures that its holders understand how to support athletes’ mental readiness. The program targets coaches and technicians, many of whom have technical backgrounds in sports performance, to emphasize the mental side of training.

Practical applications of the training

Graduates of the first CCS session have already used their training in real sports events. Hervé Arcade, from the Tahitian Cycling Federation, helped athletes during the Tour de Guyane by guiding them through emotional challenges of competing far from home, noting that mental preparation builds confidence without guaranteeing success.

Expert visit to share hypnosis techniques

In December 2026, Christophe Massina, who coached the French judo team for two decades, will visit French Polynesia to speak on high performance and the use of hypnosis in mental preparation. While hypnosis is common in French sports, local specialists may need training to apply it effectively.