“Believe in yourself and continue to build on the knowledge and skills you've gained. I think it is important to learn from those who have come before and to never stop learning and striving to be the best you can be.”

Meet Penny McIntyre, the main administrator of sailing in Barbados. For the past 34 years, she has dedicated herself to raising the interest, standards, and sustainability of the sport in the country. Penny has served as team leader for seven Central American and Caribbean Games and Pan American Games. She has also been elected for a second term to the executive board of PanAm Sailing. Penny is passionate about sailing at all levels, from competition to management and administration, and is now focused on breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for young female athletes.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ROLE MODELS IN SPORT

“Most recently I organised an all female Technical Course for Coaches. Our nominated expert was Hannah Stodel, a 4 time Paralympian, 3 time world champion, the para World Sailing manager, coach, motivational speaker and mentor, whose influence on our young emerging females was beyond even my wildest dreams. Welcoming someone of this calibre to our shores to work with our young females helped demonstrate that barriers can be transformed opportunities and that these opportunities can assist in leading our girls down whatever pathway they choose.”

BARRIERS TO DIVERSITY IN SPORT

“Society’s expectations and home responsibilities hinder female inclusion in sports, especially in single-parent families where women are expected to take on many household tasks rather than participate in sports. Educating parents and guardians is key to changing this mindset by demonstrating the benefits of physical activity for both overall well-being and academic performance.“