July 2025 marked a milestone with the launch of the first in-person WISH (Women in Sport High Performance pathway) Facilitator Training Programme—a transformative experience designed to empower those leading sport-specific learning and development initiatives for women in high-performance sport.
Held at the University of Hertfordshire, the inaugural workshop welcomed 12 dynamic facilitators from across the global sport landscape, with the participation from Anna Mguni, WR Development manager and GEDI coordinator, who along with several facilitator trainees from other Olympic Sports such as Rugby, Judo and Wrestling. World Rowing participation is part of the organisation’s committment to advancing the WISH initiative at continental and regional level to support broader efforts from its national member federations.
The training was deeply rooted in the WISH values of growth, empowerment, and inclusion and included a hybrid approach, beginning with a welcome webinar held ten days prior to the in-person workshop, setting the stage for a 2.5-day immersive experience. Participants were introduced to the WISH facilitation framework—Plan–Do–Review–You—and a set of core facilitation behaviors aimed at fostering high-quality, learner-centered environments.
Using a rich blend of learning strategies—including agility studios, peer-led micro-facilitation, reflective tools, and facilitated group reviews—participants engaged actively from beginning to end.
The programme will contribute to further strengthening World Rowing’s capacity building within the Development programme education and training portfolio.
