World Rowing is proud to celebrate the participation of two coaches, Batenga Nakisozi (Uganda) and Maria Georgiou (Cyprus), in the recently concluded WISH Cohort 5 Residential Week, held from 28 July to 1 August 2025 in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
This residential experience marked the official launch of a 21-month journey as part of the Women in Sport High Performance Pathway Programme (WISH), an initiative designed and developed by Females Achieving Brilliance (FAB), to support the advancement of the careers of elite women coaches. In alignment with the IOC’s Gender Equality Review Report and funded by Olympic Solidarity, WISH provides women with the leadership tools, sport-specific competencies, and mentoring needed to thrive at the highest levels of sport coaching
Batenga and Maria were part of a group of 34 women from 28 countries and 20 International Federations (IFs) participating in dynamic workshops, discussions, and team-building activities under the guidance of experienced facilitators and guest speakers.
Based on the concept of attainable leadership competencies, coaches undertook sessions which include the following highlights during the weeklong programme:
- Building a strong coaching culture
- Leadership under pressure
- Managing conflict and having courageous conversations
- Visualising future goals and career planning
- Creating inclusive environments and reframing networking
The week also offered opportunities for reflection and inspiration through “walk and talks,” personal storytelling, and themed evening activities – including guest speakers and a celebration evening.
Both coaches had already benefited from a 5-day pre-residential mentorship experience, kindly facilitated by British Rowing.
As the WISH programme continues with online learning and mentoring phases, World Rowing looks forward to supporting Batenga and Maria throughout this empowering leadership journey. Their dedication, ambition, and commitment continue to strengthen the presence of women in high-performance rowing.
World Rowing appreciates the support and collaboration provided by Olympic Solidarity, FAB, University of Hertfordshire, and the Rowing Federations of Cyprus and Uganda
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