European athletes receive leadership training

European Para athletes received leadership training through an online Proud Paralympian workshop held in early December.

The main aim was to empower athlete representatives with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective leaders in their National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) and/or their sport. 

Participants were Tania Nadarajah (Great Britain, Para Archery), Anton Ciprian (Romania, Wheelchair Tennis), Maja Theuma (Malta, Para Swimming), Lena Gabrscek (Slovenia, Sitting Volleyball), Sini Pyy (Finland, Para Cross Country Skiing), and Mareike Miller (Germany, Wheelchair Basketball).

During the session, the participants discussed the role of an athlete representative and effective ways of communication, and learned about the different models of representation from Proud Paralympian Instructors Nurulasyiqah Mohammad Taha (Singapore), Tarek Zahry (Egypt) and Stephen Miller (Great Britain).

Nadarajah said: “I wasn’t sure what to expect from the workshop, but I left feeling more confident in how to handle my role as an athlete representative and having made new connections with other athlete reps from around Europe.  

“It was packed with information and well run, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to be more effective in their role.”

Participants also analysed how athletes are currently represented and developed action plans to apply in their home countries.

Mohammad Taha added: “As a Proud Paralympian instructor facilitating the workshop, it was a privilege to hear from the European athletes about their plans for athletes' outreach, participation and representation.”

Zahry said: “It was an honour to be part of the Athlete Representation Workshop for Europe, beside my fellow instructors Stephen from England and Nurul from Singapore. 

“Our journey started with amazing athletes that were willing to share everything they know with their fellow athletes on and off the field of play. We were amazed at their talents and skills, as those will make sure that the athletes’ voices are heard at the top of their organisations.”

Proud Paralympian is an athlete programme for Paralympians and Para athletes who aspire to compete at the Paralympic Games.

It aims to inspire and inform athletes to be the best they can be, both on and off the field of play. Para athletes can take part in workshops and activities at competitions and events that can help them to achieve their best.

Proud Paralympian topics include the Paralympic Movement, athlete health and wellbeing, ethics, human rights and working with the media.

Athletes can get involved with Proud Paralympian activities at Paralympic Games, youth Regional Games, youth World Championships and athlete forums/conferences.

Paralympians are trained as Proud Paralympian leaders to deliver workshops and activities to reach out to Para athletes.