Earlier this month, I had the incredible opportunity and privilege to travel to Zambia as part of the Commonwealth Sport eqUIP Programme, representing Team Wales alongside other young leaders from across the Commonwealth. A week that I’ll never forget, it was my first time travelling outside of Europe, and I went with a mix of excitement and nervous energy about stepping into something completely new.
The eqUIP Programme brings together young people from across the Commonwealth to share knowledge, develop new skills and explore how sport can be used as a tool for positive change. Each nation involved develops a work plan linked to their own Commonwealth Games Association, and Zambia was our chance to bring those ideas to life, presenting our plans, exchanging ideas, and learning from others.
Throughout the week, we took part in a series of workshops, group discussions and presentations. Each session gave me something different to think about, and I found myself learning just as much from the people around me as from the workshops themselves. Hearing about the projects the other interns are working on to make a difference in their own communities was incredibly inspiring.
Beyond the workshops, some of my favourite moments came from the chance to experience Zambia’s culture and people first-hand. We visited a local museum that gave us an insight into the country’s history and heritage, and spent time exploring a traditional Zambian market, which was full of colour and energy! Every conversation added something new to the experience, and I really valued how welcoming everyone was wherever we went.
What really made the trip special, though, were the people we met throughout the week. Building friendships and connections with so many passionate and like-minded individuals from across the Commonwealth was such a highlight. The week finished with a cultural night at a local Zambian restaurant, complete with music, dancing and amazing food it was a brilliant way to celebrate everything we’d shared and learned together and round off an incredible trip.
Representing Team Wales abroad was a really proud moment for me, helping to showcase how Wales continues to play its part in shaping sport across the Commonwealth and being part of such an inspiring network of people from around the world was something special. This experience reminded me how important it is to step outside your comfort zone. Doing so opened the door to new opportunities, new perspectives, and memories that will stay with me for a long time.
Zikomo (thank you) Zambia!