Canoeing Ireland's International Symposium: Women Paddling for Change and Uniting 35 Countries

26th September 2023

Canoeing Ireland's International Symposium (From left) CEO of Canoeing Ireland Moira Aston, ICF President Thomas Konietzko, Thomas Byrne, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Cecilia Farias Vice President of the International Canoe Federation and Sport Ireland chief executive Dr Una May, during an ICF Women in Sport Symposium at the Grand Hotel Malahide in Dublin

Credit: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

The first day of Canoeing Ireland's International Women's Symposium at Malahide on Tuesday, brought together 118 attendees representing 35 countries to discuss women in paddlesports.

The symposium featured various speakers and workshops throughout the day, with keynote speaker Zelda La Grange, former private secretary to Nelson Mandela, delivering an inspiring speech on driving change.

President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach addresses the audience during an ICF Women in Sport Symposium at the Grand Hotel Malahide in Dublin. Photo: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

A panel discussion with Dr. Cecilia Farias, Maree Brunett, and Nora Stapleton provided attendees with practical steps to create an environment where women can confidently pursue leadership positions.

IOC President Thomas Bach's message of "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together" resonated throughout the day, emphasising the role of the community in supporting women.

The symposium was attended by Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, who also spoke at the event.

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