Kate O’Sullivan elected President of Commonwealth Rowing Association 

Kate O’Sullivan elected President of Commonwealth Rowing Association 


Tees RC is really proud to share some exciting news – our own Kate O’Sullivan has been elected President of the Commonwealth Rowing Association for the next four years.

Kate has just got back from eight days in Barbados, where a simple holiday turned into something much bigger. While she was out there, she completed the World Rowing National Technical Officer Training and then spent 2.5 days on Brownes Beach, Carlisle Bay, working as a lane umpire at the Commonwealth Rowing Beach Sprint Championships.

The event really showed what the Commonwealth rowing community is all about.  more established nations supporting those who are just starting to grow their programmes, Uganda leading the dancing on the beach, and the Canadians, led by outgoing CRA President Peter Cookson, at the heart of the organisation.

Kate attended the CRA AGM while she was there and was nominated by Scottish Rowing and Welsh Rowing – and then elected by the members as President.

She says:

“Having just come back from the Commonwealth Rowing Regatta in Barbados, I’ve seen first-hand what a special community Commonwealth coastal and beach sprint rowing is, and the unique spirit that exists across our nations. Over the next 6–9 months I’m really looking forward to listening to and learning from each member country, and working with the CRA Executive to shape our strategy and shared priorities.

Building on the incredible work of Peter Cookson, one of my key aims will be helping secure beach sprint rowing’s inclusion in the 2030 Commonwealth Games, as well as supporting new programmes and strengthening existing ones across the Commonwealth rowing family.”

We’re also delighted that James Andrews – former Teesside University Boat Club Captain and Tees RC member – has been elected as a Non-Executive Director of the CRA for a one-year term.

Two Tees-connected people helping shape Commonwealth rowing – not bad at all!