Gold Power of Association Award Earned for Collaborations with Special Olympics
LEXINGTON, Ky., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Foundation won a Gold Power of Association Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The awards honor programs that deliver measurable results, address critical societal challenges, and demonstrate unique value to the broader community.
“ASAE’s recognition is a powerful demonstration of our global commitment to coaching excellence and meaningful societal impact,” said ICF CEO, Magdalena Nowicka Mook. “As we celebrate ICF’s 30th anniversary, these awards affirm our mission in motion — to elevate the coaching profession and harness its potential to drive both individual growth and lasting, positive change in communities around the world.”
ICF Foundation, the philanthropic arm of ICF, was recognized with a Gold Award for providing personalized coaching opportunities to support Special Olympics’ Leadership Academy curriculum. Since 2019, ICF Foundation has helped Special Olympics foster a culture of inclusion, empathy, and resilience among educators working with students with intellectual disabilities.
“At ICF Foundation, we believe in the power of coaching — and associations — to be a positive force in the world. The Foundation’s work with Special Olympics and its inspiring team of leaders are helping to build more inclusive, empathetic communities —one educator at a time,” said ICF Foundation Vice President, Coura Badiane, MBA, CAE. “Our work wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering commitment of our talented volunteer coaches, and of course, our valued partners at Special Olympics, whose leadership and advocacy continue to inspire lasting impact in schools, on the field, and beyond.”
Throughout ICF Foundation’s work with Special Olympics, 180 educators and coaches were coached by 70 ICF-credentialed professionals, who assisted them in developing action plans with SMART goals — a framework for setting effective objectives. As a result of the program, educators reported measurable transformations, including 67% of participants who found significant growth in their leadership capabilities, as well as growth in their communication skills, empathy, and authenticity. Additionally, ICF-credentialed coaches have dedicated 389 low bono coaching hours to Special Olympics — valued at more than $91,000 — over a five year span.
“Congratulations to ICF Foundation for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large,” said ASAE President and CEO, Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “It’s always satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight their combined award-winning initiatives.”
About the International Coaching Federation The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world’s largest organization leading the global advancement of the coaching profession and fostering coaching’s role as an integral part of a thriving society. Founded in 1995, its 60,000-plus members located in more than 160 countries and territories work toward common goals of enhancing awareness of coaching and upholding the integrity of the profession through lifelong learning and upholding the highest ethical standards. Through the work of its six unique family organizations, ICF empowers professional coaches, coaching clients, organizations, communities, and the world through coaching. Learn more at coachingfederation.org.
About The Power of Associations Awards ASAE’s Power of Associations Awards recognize the association community’s economic and societal contributions locally, nationally and globally. ASAE will celebrate The Power of Associations Award recipients during its annual Summit Awards Dinner on September 25, 2025, at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.
SOURCE International Coaching Federation
