Last week, Commonwealth Games England’s eqUIP intern Amy Swift, and Operations Manager Francesca Crabtree, travelled to Lobatse in Botswana to attend an Orientation Workshop as part of the Commonwealth Games Federation’s eqUIP programme.

The eqUIP programme is a Commonwealth wide approach supported by the CGF. It has allowed Commonwealth Games England to partner with English universities to offer one student the chance to complete a placement year, within the Games Delivery team, as part of their studies. It is hoped that this platform will develop youth leaders through internship and employment opportunities, empowering them to make a positive contribution to their communities through sport.

After two years of being impacted by Covid-19, the programme orientation returned to being delivered in person and saw delegates from 22 nations across the Commonwealth come together to share their experiences.

Looking forward to the year ahead, the workshop was designed to familiarise interns with the eqUIP programme and allowed them to identify key goals and responsibilities for their internship, whilst also learning more about their respective Commonwealth Games Associations.

Attendees were given the opportunity to better understand the relationship between CGA’s and different stakeholders, to learn how a growth mindset and the use of reflective practices can enhance professional development and how to effectively share their stories through sport. As this was also the first-time interns from the 14th intake got together, they took part in a range of team building exercises that included a presentation to the previous cohort, an obstacle course, and a game drive at the Manong Game Lodge. To celebrate their work across the couple of days, the trip ended with a Boma Braai dinner, giving them the chance to appreciate Botswanan culture.

Reflecting on her experience at the workshop, Amy said “The workshop provided a brilliant opportunity for me to build relationships with fellow interns, whose roles within their CGA’s are completely different to mine. Specifically, the session involving workplans allowed me to visualise the role that I will take on within CGE over the coming months and has only added to my excitement stemming from this opportunity!