In a direct push to expand female representation across sports administration and executive decision-making, the Barbados Olympic Association Inc. (BOA) is now accepting nominations for the 2026–2027 Commonwealth Sport Women Leaders Programme (CWLP). Local National Federations (NFs) are being urged to identify and endorse one standout female candidate ready to transition into high-impact board and committee roles within national, regional, or international sports bodies.
A £5,000 Empowerment Grant and Global Mentorship Pipeline
Selected candidates will join a competitive cohort of just 15 emerging leaders chosen from across all Commonwealth nations for this intensive 12-month development initiative. Each participant will receive a scholarship of up to £5,000 to support personal growth and local advocacy.
Under official programme guidelines, grant funding must be allocated across two core areas:
- Professional Education (At least 70%): Funding academic qualifications, graduate studies, executive certifications, specialised skills workshops, or international sports conference registrations.
- Community Impact Projects (Up to 30%): Designing and delivering a grassroots initiative focused on gender equality, inclusion, or female empowerment through sport.
Central to the CWLP experience is a confidential, one-on-one pairing with an international mentor. Together, mentor and mentee will co-create and evolve a personal development plan (PDP) that establishes the candidate’s current standing, defines long-term career goals, outlines actionable growth steps, and pinpoints institutional support. Mentees will also participate in bi-monthly virtual webinars through a global Community of Practice, maintain reflective learning journals, and submit a final project report.
Candidate Eligibility & Profile
The programme is seeking ambitious, self-reflective female administrators, coaches, technical officials, or volunteers who demonstrate the drive to serve as change agents in their sporting communities.
To be eligible for nomination, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Commonwealth citizen currently residing and working in Barbados.
- Have a minimum of 12 months of active service (salaried or volunteer) within a local sports organisation.
- Possess intermediate computer literacy and proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Aspire to hold Executive Committee or Board-level positions to influence decision-making in sport.
Application Package & Submission Deadline
National Federations must submit one endorsed female applicant with a complete digital submission package. The required documentation includes:
- Proof of Barbadian nationality.
- Motivational letter detailing involvement in sport and leadership ambitions (PDF format).
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages, PDF format).
- Copies of academic transcripts or relevant qualifications.
- Official NF Endorsement Letter confirming at least 12 months of involvement in sport (PDF format).
- Completed CWLP Application Form (PDF format).
All applications must be submitted to Ms Janelle Denny, Director of the National Olympic Academy, at janelle.denny@olympic.org.bb and copied to info@olympic.org.bb no later than September 25, 2026.