Empowering young leaders: Commonwealth Sport eqUIP Workshop
The spirit of collaboration, leadership, and cultural exchange soared as Commonwealth Sport hosted an impactful eqUIP workshop for Teams 19 and 20 (Africa and Europe cohorts) hosted in Lusaka, Zambia by the Zambia Commonwealth Games Association. The five-day event provided a platform for professional development and network building within the Commonwealth Sport Movement.
The workshop was a great success, drawing 36 participants: interns, mentors, and facilitators from 18 CGAs. This workshop focused on equipping the next generation of young leaders with practical and leadership skills. A key milestone of the event was the participation of 14 mentors attending the workshop in-person for the very first time. This collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to mentorship, strengthening the essential link between the programme's interns and the mentors guiding them.
The comprehensive agenda focused on key areas, including enhancing CGA capacity, developing collaborative partnerships, and setting the stage for effective contribution to major events. A highlight of the programme was the pre-workshop Common Ground Mentor Training session, led by international expert on education, training, and coaching, Sarah McQuade. This session provided valuable, cutting-edge insights to ensure the mentors are well-equipped to guide their interns through their professional development journeys.
The current cohorts of Teams 19 and 20 are now better positioned to continue assisting their CGAs, with a clear view of contributing to and supporting Games preparations, including the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Games. Beyond professional development, the workshop served as a vibrant hub for cultural connection. The Zambia CGA beautifully showcased the nation’s rich culture and heritage through lively music and traditional dance, offering a memorable experience for all attendees. This spirit of sharing was reciprocated during the dedicated Cultural Night, where interns and mentors proudly shared the diverse heritage of their respective nations, reinforcing the Commonwealth's core values of unity and mutual respect.
The success of the eqUIP workshop in Lusaka marks a vital step in Commonwealth Sport's mission to empower young leaders and build robust skilled CGAs across Africa and Europe. The insights gained and connections forged will undoubtedly create a lasting, positive impact on the participating nations and the future of sport across the Commonwealth.
