British Showjumping represent Great Britain in a Sports International Leadership Programme

4th May 2010

Maria Clayton, Head of Communications for British Showjumping has been selected and invited to represent Great Britain alongside five other sports in an International Leadership programme.

The Women and International Leadership Programme (WILD) which is an EU funded programme offers intense training and continuous support where each participant will be assigned a personal mentor.  This, in addition to the networking opportunities that come from mentoring six individuals from eight different nations within a common environment will create a unique platform allowing sports to work alongside each other whilst also giving them access to sports leaders from across Europe.

Amanda Bennett, UK Sport's Head of Policy, Chair of European Women and Sport was invited to speak at the WILD launch at the European Parliament in Brussels sponsored by Emma McClarkin MEP and attended by sports leaders from across Europe. Commenting on the new programme, Bennett said:
"This is an historic moment for women in European sport. National and European federations as well as the European Commission are taking joint action to improve sport leadership and governance in Europe by ensuring women can make a full contribution".
 Iain Graham, British Showjumping Chief Executive commented. "We are thrilled that Maria Clayton was selected and invited to be a representative for women in sport within Great Britain.  Having British Showjumping included in such a prestigious programme is not only good news for the sport in terms of raising it's profile but also an opportunity to widen our network in terms of those heading up International Sports across Europe"

The UK representatives are:
Louise Roberts - British Gymnastics
Maria Clayton - British Showjumping
Diane Modahl - Street Games
Priya Samuel - British University and College Sport
Lara Lill - Amateur Swimming Association
Jenny Fromer - Baseball Softball UK

CCPR is the co-ordinating body for WILD and the British group will join with leaders from France, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Italy and the Czech Republic for training events and international networking.