Ulster University student Caoimhín Heaney recently embarked on an exciting journey as part of the eqUIP Commonwealth Sport Internship, kicking off with an enriching trip to Botswana.
Joined by fellow interns from across the Commonwealth, Caoimhin delved into a transformative experience aimed at empowering young leaders to make meaningful contributions to their communities through sport.The Commonwealth Sport Internship program is not just about professional development; it’s a platform for fostering lasting relationships among interns and partners of the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA). Botswana served as the perfect backdrop for this journey, offering a blend of learning, networking, and unforgettable experiences.
The itinerary was packed with insightful workshops covering various leadership models, understanding the CGA’s stakeholder environment, the art of telling your own story, and crafting strategic work plans for the year ahead. But it wasn’t all business; the interns also had the chance to showcase their athletic prowess on a fiercely competitive assault course, celebrate diversity and culture during a vibrant cultural night, and wrap up their adventure with a breath-taking game drive through Botswana’s stunning landscapes.
“Botswana was the first time I had been away from home without family, I was nervous, anxious and didn’t know what to expect, but what I gained from my short stay there is nothing short of extraordinary.”
Caoimhín continued, “I met people from all across the Commonwealth with diverse and unique backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. Throughout our stay there we networked and made a strong connection with our counterparts all across the globe. Along with this I took part in a lot of workshops around confidence building, teamwork, public speaking, and leadership development. With my amazing colleagues from CGNI I soon went from the anxious Belfast lad to a standout leader within the group, after what felt like minutes, I felt at home with my newfound friends from across the world.”
Caoimhin is CGNI’s 8th Commonwealth Sport Intern, representing a proud milestone in our ongoing partnership with Ulster University. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering future leaders in the realm of sports.
As Caoimhin embarks on this transformative journey, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact he will undoubtedly make to the local community through sport. Stay tuned for more updates on his remarkable progress!