UK Sport is delighted to congratulate Guin Batten on her appointment by the FISA Council to be interim Chair of the Rowing for All Commission. The position will provide Batten, an alumni member of UK Sport’s ILP (International Leadership Programme), with a place on the FISA Council.
FISA, the Federation for World Rowing, also announced new appointments of British representatives to other International Commissions. Ali Sanders will join the FISA Medical Commission, Gary Bain has been appointed to the Masters Commission and James Lindsay-Fynn takes his place on the Athletes Commission.
These appointments strengthen British Rowing's position in world rowing. Di Ellis CBE, Chair of British Rowing, said: “I am delighted to see the recognition given by FISA to our highly qualified volunteers in the appointment of Guin, Ali, Gary and James to these Commissions. I know they will bring a great deal of experience and expertise to their new roles.”
An objective for British Rowing’s International Strategy, supported by UK Sport, is to ensure representation on international committees. Batten said: “It is an honour to be appointed interim Chair of the Rowing for All Commission. I look forward to working with FISA colleagues to develop our sport. I am grateful for the support from British Rowing and UK Sport. Attending the International Leadership Programme increased my knowledge of how to operate effectively in the international sport environment.”
Ben Calveley, UK Sport’s Head of Corporate and International Relations welcomed the news. He said: “I am delighted that Guin has secured such an important position within FISA. This achievement is testament to Guin’s dedication to her sport and to British Rowing who have supported her so well. The UK has a role to play at the highest level in international sport and I am sure all four British appointments onto international commissions will support FISA well.”
Working with National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs), UK Sport seeks to ensure that the UK plays a key role in the development and governance of international sport by supporting NGBs in their long-term strategies aimed at building relationships with International Federations (IFs).