On 31st July, Hector, one of the Infinity Boat Club J16s, was asked to speak as part of the Commonwealth Rowing Leadership Forum in Glasgow. Hear all about his experience here!
I was honoured with the opportunity to be invited to speak at the Commonwealth Rowing Leadership Forum 2026 as a young athlete in the Leadership conversation panel, representing the voices of community rowing programmes across the Commonwealth.
The aim of the morning was to demonstrate the value that rowing can bring to the Commonwealth and for rowing to be recognised not only as a sport, but as a powerful contributor to the Commonwealth values, ambitions and future — with the possible chance to be included in the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Throughout the morning I heard and spoke to a number of inspirational people about our experiences of rowing and their commitments to diversity, equality and inclusion within the sport.
A very special appreciation to:
- Kate O'Sullivan BEM (President, Commonwealth Rowing Association)
- Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY (Vice President, World Rowing)
- Adam Waterhouse (Bahamas Olympic Committee)
- Steven Dowd (Executive Chair, Para Rowing Foundation)
- Mike Martin (Scottish Rowing / National Schools Chairman)
- Samantha Gough MBE (Blind Athlete and ambassador for visual impairments and young people in sport)
My aim was to advocate for an improved community with inclusion being the main focus. We met some amazing people and I was so proud to be able to represent Infinity Boat Club and show what we're all about in Teesside. Thank you to Kate and Cathy and the Infinity Team for letting me have this amazing opportunity which will not be forgotten.
