The SheLovesTri initiatives in Sanxenxo and Pontevedra will bring the findings of the World Triathlon Women in Triathlon Status Study to the attention of all NF's and the wider World Triathlon community. Taking place alongside the World Triathlon Congress and wider triathlon community from 22–27 September, the programme includes five initiatives covering female participation, women in coaching, membership and development, networking and the sharing of best practice. The aim is not simply to raise awareness of the findings. It is to encourage National Federations to consider what action they can take to increase female participation and improve opportunities for women across triathlon.
The SheLovesTri programme
1. Social Run, Networking & informal discussion. 22–27 September | 7:00am | Sanxenxo, Silgar Beach. The week will begin with social running, networking and informal discussion, providing an opportunity for women involved in triathlon to meet and share experiences.
2. Keynote – “Growing Female Participation”. Wednesday 23 September | World Triathlon Congress | Time: from 10:30 AM | Sanxenxo, Hotel Carlos I Silgar. The Congress programme will include a keynote from Dr Morten Schmidt, Global Director of Programmes and Grants at Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, looking at approaches to growing female participation in sport. Increasing participation requires more than simply encouraging women to enter events. National Federations need to understand their own participation data and identify where women are entering, progressing and leaving the sport.
3. Coffee Talk – “Status and Perception of Female Triathlon Coaches”. Thursday 24 September | 2:30pm | Casa Consistorial de Pontevedra. This session will focus on the position of female coaches and the findings of the Women in Triathlon Status Study. It will provide an opportunity to discuss the current status of female coaches, the perceptions and barriers they face, and what National Federations can do to improve recruitment, development and retention. The Panel includes
Vicent Beltran - Moderator, Athlete Development Manager, World Triathlon
Tarryn Godfrey - Sport for Development Researcher & Department Director, Brunei university of London
Dr Morten Schmidt - Global Director of Programmes and Grants, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation
Kate Murray - Chair, National Coaches Committee, World Triathlon
Alba Cuba Dorado - Full time Assistant Professor, University of Vigo
Dan Atkins - Triathlon Coach Advisor, Aus Triathlon
Istvan Jankov - COach Education Manager, World Triathlon
4. Membership Services and Development Meeting. Friday 25 September | 8:00am | Sanxenxo, Hotel Carlos I Silgar. The Membership Services and Development Meeting will provide an opportunity to bring female participation into broader discussions around federation development. For National Federations, this means considering whether existing membership, competition and development structures are effectively attracting and retaining women.
5. Female Coaching Best Practices Workshop. Saturday 26 September | 8:00am | Sanxenxo, Hotel Carlos I Silgar. The programme concludes with a practical workshop focused on Female Coaching Best Practices. The workshop will provide an opportunity for National Federations and coaches to share approaches that are working and consider how these can be applied in different environments. The Panel includes
Eleanor Condon - Women in Sport Lead, EDI Lean and National Anti-Dpoing Officer, Triathlon Ireland
Debbie Clarke - Chair of the Board on the Female Coaching Best Practices Workshop, British Triathlon
Tarryn Godfrey - Sport for Development Researcher and Development Director, Brunei University of London
From awareness to action
The Women in Triathlon Status Study provides the data and identifies areas where further work is needed. The next step is for National Federations to use that information. Every NF has the opportunity to look at its own numbers and ask -
Are we increasing female participation?
Where are our women leaving the sport?
Are our programmes accessible and attractive to women?
Are we developing enough female coaches, technical officials and officers?
What actions can we take now to improve participation and retention?
SheLovesTri is about moving the conversation from awareness to action. The objective is clear - more women participating in triathlon, more women progressing through the sport, and more women taking opportunities in coaching and leadership - all to ensure the maximum growth of Triathlon across the world.
