Erkan Sezgin
Cambridge
Summary
Experienced sports educator and program coordinator specializing in orienteering, physical education, and outdoor sports pedagogy. Over 13 years of expertise in curriculum development, lesson planning, and the design of experiential learning programs that integrate physical activity with cognitive skill development. Delivered sports and orienteering education across primary, secondary, high school, and university levels, while training athletes who qualified for the Turkish National Team. Contributed to national and international sports education initiatives as an instructor, course planner, and map designer, while representing Türkiye as a member of the National Orienteering Team. Served in the Turkish Air Force, gaining advanced skills in planning, operations, and leadership within high-security and disciplined environments. Committed to advancing sports education through innovative teaching methods, evidence-based training programs, and collaborative engagement with students, educators, and institutions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Assistant
Navigation Games
Cambridge
06.2025 - Current
- Support all aspects of program planning, execution, and evaluation in line with Navigation Games’ mission to promote orienteering education and outdoor sports.
- Coordinate client communications, marketing, program design, staff recruitment, budget management, and field delivery.
- Implement safety procedures, secure necessary permits, and manage maintenance and preparation of all program equipment.
- Deliver orienteering instruction to children and youth; develop lesson plans, materials, and innovative games.
- Recruit, train, and manage volunteers and staff members.
- Collect feedback, prepare reports, and maintain program databases to ensure continuous improvement.
- Contribute to curriculum development and publication projects, and design new games and activity resources.
Founding Team Member & Sports Coordinator
Safari Outdoor Sports Club
Bursa / TURKIYE
06.2018 - 06.2024
- Played an active role in the establishment of the club, leading the planning, management, and development of sports and outdoor activities.
- Designed and implemented projects to promote participation in outdoor sports, with a primary focus on orienteering.
- Delivered orienteering and outdoor sports training to numerous public and private schools, as well as government institutions and private organizations.
- Organized international competitions and events, contributing to the development of the sport at both national and international levels.
- Provided training for many educators in the fields of orienteering and outdoor sports.
- Developed specialized training programs for athletes, enabling them to qualify for the national team.
- Organized innovative programs and special events to enhance the club’s visibility and reputation.
- Successfully carried out multiple high-impact projects and built strong partnerships.
- Currently serving as an active board member and providing consultancy to the club.
Physical Education and Outdoor Activities Instruct
Ogre Balta Waldorf School
Ogre / LATVIA
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Managed and implemented sports education programs as part of a European Union project, introducing a variety of sports disciplines.
- Designed sports activities tailored to different age groups to promote students’ physical fitness and mental well-being.
- Organized comprehensive outdoor activities, including orienteering, hiking, camping, and other nature sports, fostering a strong connection with nature.
- Delivered specialized training sessions to develop students’ teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Collaborated with students in woodworking classes to design and create sports and educational materials.
- Served as the school’s recycling coordinator, managing waste separation and promoting environmental awareness among students.
- Developed and produced projects and games to enhance students’ engagement, creativity, and learning experiences.
- Assisted other teachers in classroom activities, providing support in lesson delivery and student engagement.
Sports and Events Coordinator
Bursa Extrempark Adventure Park
Bursa / TURKIYE
06.2020 - 03.2023
- Designed and managed adventure park sports programs, including camping, orienteering, nature hiking, and other outdoor activities.
- Organized activities aimed at enhancing participants’ physical fitness, teamwork skills, and self-confidence.
- Ensured all events were carried out in compliance with safety procedures and quality standards; conducted staff training and performed regular safety inspections.
- Led the planning, execution, and evaluation of special events, themed days, and sports competitions within the park.
- Developed innovative programs to promote orienteering and outdoor sports, increasing visitor satisfaction and participation rates.
- Monitored athletes’ development and provided training support for competition preparation.
National Team Athlete & Technical Official
Turkish Orienteering Federation
Ankara / TURKIYE
06.2010 - 02.2023
- Played an active role in the planning and implementation of nationwide orienteering education programs.
- Developed educational materials for coaches and athletes, organizing seminars and courses to enhance the sport's understanding and application.
- Coordinated various events and educational activities aimed at promoting and expanding the sport of orienteering.
- Served as a member of the Turkish Orienteering National Team, representing the country in international competitions while supporting the training and development of athletes.
Board Member & Orienteering Coach
Uludag University Orienteering Club
Bursa / TURKIYE
01.2017 - 06.2020
- Served as an active board member, contributing to the planning and organization of the club’s orienteering activities.
- As a coach, prepared training plans, delivered technical instruction, and monitored athletes’ performance development.
- Developed projects and organized events to promote orienteering within the university.
- Competed as a member of the university’s orienteering team in national competitions, achieving both individual and team podium results.
- Implemented outdoor programs aimed at improving students’ teamwork, problem-solving, and endurance skills.
Orienteering Coach & Physical Education Specialist
Isıklar Military Air High School
Bursa / TURKIYE
09.2015 - 01.2017
- Designed and implemented comprehensive physical training programs to enhance the physical fitness and mental resilience of military high school students.
- Organized sports competitions, training camps, and athletic events to promote teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills.
- Served as head coach of the Işıklar Military Air High School Orienteering Team, developing personalized training plans and providing technical guidance to improve athletes’ competitive performance.
- Managed all sports facilities at the school and oversaw the maintenance, repair, and procurement of sports equipment.
- Competed in national and international championships as a member of the Turkish Air Force Sports Team and the Turkish Armed Forces Sports Team, representing the institution at the highest level.
Military Base, Personnel Division
Turkish Air Force
Bursa / TURKIYE
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Managed daily and long-term personnel planning processes within a high-security military headquarters.
- Prepared and maintained duty schedules, personnel rosters, and assignment rotations.
- Coordinated task distribution and communication between command units and administrative departments.
- Contributed to the preparation of official reports, correspondence, and operational planning documents.
- Ensured all planning activities complied with military regulations, protocols, and security standards.
- Maintained and archived confidential and sensitive personnel records with the highest level of discretion and accuracy.
- Represented the Turkish Air Force as an athlete on the official Air Force Sports Team, competing in national and international championships.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Sports Sciences, Physical Education and Sports Teaching
Uludag University
Bursa01.2019
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
Anadolu University
Eskişehir05-2015
Air Force NCO Academy – Military Leadership & Management Program -
Turkish Air Force
İzmir08-2011
Skills
Technical Skills
- Sports education & coaching (PE Teacher)
- Curriculum development & lesson planning
- Orienteering course planning & activity planning (IOF standards)
- Map drawing & design for national/international events
- Program planning & project design
- Event organization & coordination (local, national & international)
- Volunteer coordination & management
- Safety management & risk assessment
- Budget management & logistics coordination
- Client communication & stakeholder engagement
- Instruction delivery (children, youth, and adults)
Soft Skills
- Leadership & team management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management & prioritization
- Problem solving & decision-making under pressure
- Strong interpersonal communication with students and athletes
- Multicultural teamwork
- Adaptability in diverse environments
References
- Prof.Dr. Tekin ÇOLAKOĞLU, Turkish Orienteering Federation President
- Dr. Nermin FENMEN, Turkish Orienteering Federation Chief Advisor
- Tatiana KALENDEROĞLU, Vice President of the International Orienteering Federation
- Evija RUDZITE, Ogre Balta Waldorf School Manager
Languages
- Turkish, Native
- English, Advanced
Awards And Acknowledgements
- Virginia Regional Orienteering Competition, 2024, 3rd Place
- Latvia Regional Orienteering Competition, 2023, 2nd Place
- International Special Competitions in Orienteering, 2019, 3rd Place
- Turkiye Champion in Orienteering, 2016, Champion
Accomplishments
- 2023- Latvia Regional Orienteering Competition 2nd Place
- 2019- 3rd Place in International Special Competitions in Orienteering, and University Games Turkey 3rd Place in Orienteering.
- 2018-3rd Place in International Special Competitions in Orienteering, and University Games Turkey 3rd Place in Orienteering.
- 2017- University Games Turkey 3rd Place in Orienteering.
- 2016- Turkey Champion in Orienteering,University Games Turkey Champion in Orienteering.
- 2015- Turkey Champion in Cycling, Mediterranean Games 2nd Place in Orienteering.
- 2014- Turkey Champion in Cycling.
- 2013- Turkey Champion in Orienteering and SEEOC Team Second Place.
- 2012- European Third Place and Turkey Champion in Orienteering, University Games Turkey Champion in Orienteering And SEEOC Champion in Orienteering.
- 2011- Turkey Champion in Orienteering And University Games Turkey Champion in Orienteering.
- 2010- Turkish Air Force Commander’s Outstanding Achievement Medal For Orienteering, 1st place victory, and national team representation.
Languages
Turkish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Professional
Timeline
Program Assistant
Navigation Games
06.2025 - Current
Physical Education and Outdoor Activities Instruct
Ogre Balta Waldorf School
03.2023 - 03.2024
Sports and Events Coordinator
Bursa Extrempark Adventure Park
06.2020 - 03.2023
Founding Team Member & Sports Coordinator
Safari Outdoor Sports Club
06.2018 - 06.2024
Board Member & Orienteering Coach
Uludag University Orienteering Club
01.2017 - 06.2020
Orienteering Coach & Physical Education Specialist
Isıklar Military Air High School
09.2015 - 01.2017
Military Base, Personnel Division
Turkish Air Force
01.2011 - 01.2015
National Team Athlete & Technical Official
Turkish Orienteering Federation
06.2010 - 02.2023
Bachelor's Degree - Sports Sciences, Physical Education and Sports Teaching
Uludag University
Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration
Anadolu University
Air Force NCO Academy – Military Leadership & Management Program -
Turkish Air Force
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