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L-R: Alexandra Karaiskou (Head of NOC/NOA Relations), Anna Ready (NZOC Education Manager), Charilaos Tsolakis (IOA President), Cathleen Bias (Wahine Toa Programme Manager), Konstantinos Georgiadis (IOA Dean), Makis Asimakopoulos (IOA Director)
The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has been recognised internationally, receiving an inaugural award from the International Olympic Academy (IOA) for its delivery of the Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme. The award recognises athlete development education and the role the programme plays in advancing Olympic values.
The award was presented as part of the Athlete Development Educational Programmes category to NZOC Wāhine Toa Programme Manager, Cathleen Bias and NZOC Education Manager, Anna Ready during the IOA 19th International Session for National Olympic Academies and National Olympic Committees in Olympia, Greece.
The category recognises programmes that take a holistic approach to athlete development, including support for post-athlete careers, inclusion of Paralympic athletes and initiatives such as sport legends recognition events.
The Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme supports female athletes transitioning from high performance sport into leadership roles within sport and wider society. The programme includes residential workshops, mentoring, peer learning and applied project work, with a focus on building leadership capability, confidence and career direction.
Participants are supported to build professional networks, develop transferable skills and explore leadership opportunities in governance, advocacy and community roles. The programme is delivered across Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games pathways.
In receiving the award, Bias acknowledged the support that has enabled the programme’s delivery, including funding from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the contribution of the facilitation team.
The NZOC also acknowledged the IOA for establishing the awards and recognising the work of National Olympic Committees and National Olympic Academies. Thanks were extended to the IOA Executive team, including Alexandra Karaiskou, Makis Asimakopoulos, Dionyssis Gangas, Roula Vathi and Απόστολος Ματσαρίδης.
This recognition reflects the delivery of the Wāhine Toa programme in New Zealand and across the Oceania region, and its role in supporting leadership pathways for women in sport.