Trainers who have more than 10 years of experience are eligible for the academic scheme in the South American nation.

Known as "Train the Trainers", the programme is a first of its kind in Venezuela.

The first intake of coaches have now completed their first phase modules as they bid to earn qualifications in sport.

They have been awarded diplomas with the scheme a collaboration between the COV and the Lara Andrés Eloy Blanco Territorial Polytechnic University.

Olympic Solidarity funding has helped to fund the project.

This is distributed by the International Olympic Committee to National Olympic Committees around the world, to help various sporting projects in different parts of the globe.

Venezuela won three medals at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August, which took place on their home continent.

Yulimar Rojas claimed silver in the women's triple jump, with Venezuelans also collecting two bronze medals.

These came courtesy of boxer Yoel Finol and cyclist Stefany Hernández, who were third in the men's flyweight and women's BMX competitions respectively.  

The COV hosted an information meeting for sporting coaches from the country in February.

The event was held for the Venezuelan Sports Coaches Association and was organised by its President Francisco Seijas.