This edition marked the debut of a new model for the programme, introduced in 2025 to establish and share the true value of mentorship by tapping into the knowledge and experience within the global aquatics community. Mentors were selected from National Federations around the world, trained and then paired with other National Federations to mentor them directly.

Mentors helped mentees navigate their own challenges, set clear objectives and build long-term strategies suited to their National Federation's needs, with the ambition of creating a stronger, more connected aquatics community worldwide.

The collaboration between National Federations reflects the strong spirit of cooperation within the global aquatics community.

World Aquatics spoke with mentors and mentees who participated in the programme to learn about their experience.

Building governance from the ground up

For several federations, the starting point was foundational. The Somalia Swimming Federation used the programme to build its first complete governance and administrative framework, aligned with its own constitution and World Aquatics standards, while in Guinea-Bissau the National Federation focused on strengthening institutional capacity across governance, administration, technical development and education.

“A key achievement has been improving the Federation's organisational standards regarding statutes and regulations, as well as building members' capacity through training sessions designed to enhance their knowledge of both the sport and the Federation,” said Edwilson Cabral da Luz Lopes, President of Guiné-Bissau Aquatics.

“These are the tangible benefits I have seen as the Federation continues to progress and evolve.”

In the Caribbean, the Aruba Aquatics Federation used the programme to move from framework design to practical implementation of a new governance compliance system.

“Resilience is like swimming against the current – progress may be slower, but every stroke forward proves our strength and determination to see the journey through to success,” said Armando van de Griend, Treasurer of Aruba Aquatics Federation.

Reflecting on the process more broadly, he added: “This programme has allowed us to learn from our mentor, exchange ideas and identify opportunities to strengthen our federation. While the journey has not been without its challenges, we recognise that meaningful change takes time. We remain committed to continuing this work, applying the lessons learned, and building on the progress already made.”

Turning strategy into action

Other federations used the programme to sharpen their strategic direction. Malaysia Aquatics worked with its mentor to design a comprehensive Strategic Direction for 2026-2030, spanning Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Artistic Swimming, while Iran focused on building a national campaign to grow aquatic participation by improving awareness, reducing barriers and positioning swimming as a life skill and social value.

“Watching their growth, commitment and confidence over the course of the programme was immensely rewarding, and reinforced the value of effective mentoring,” said Steve Johns, CEO of Swimming New Zealand, who mentored the Malaysia Aquatics team. “This is a fantastic World Aquatics initiative that brings people together, builds capability and creates lasting benefits for our sport.”

The Botswana Swimming Sport Association worked to design a clearer executive, management and committee structure to strengthen its long-term funding prospects.

CEO of Swim Ireland Mary McMorrow, who mentored the Botswana Swimming Sport Association, added: “The programme is a powerful example of collaboration, shared learning and international partnership in action.”

Meanwhile, in Venezuela, the National Federation concentrated on professionalising its commercial department to strengthen fundraising for the future.

Reaching the next generation

For some federations, the focus was firmly on grassroots growth. The Albanian Swimming Federation set out to empower coaches to become visible ambassadors for the sport, encouraging more children aged 6-12 to take up swimming, while the Anguilla Amateur Swimming Association worked to establish a Discover Water programme tailored to the island, building water safety knowledge, aquatic confidence and a clear entry pathway into grassroots swimming. In Brunei, meanwhile, the national swimming association is developing a national Coach and Swim Instructor Certification Framework.

“I am glad that the roll out of coaches certification will help create a safer and more professional environment for swimming,” said Ang Beng Siong, Honorary Secretary of Brunei Amateur Swimming Association.

David Bomfield, a member of the National Swimming Technical Committee of the Aquatic Sports Association of Jamaica who supported Anguilla through the programme, said: “It was encouraging to see the progress made throughout the mentorship period and the relationship built between mentor and mentee."

For Keida Ushtelenca Nasto, Vice-President of the Albanian Swimming Federation, the experience went beyond the project itself.

“It taught me that meaningful and sustainable change begins by empowering people, listening to their needs and working together toward a shared vision. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I will bring back to the Albanian Swimming Federation not only a development project, but also a stronger leadership mindset, practical tools and a commitment to empowering coaches to inspire more children to discover swimming,” she said.

A growing community of mentors and mentees

A shared belief that federations grow stronger by learning from one another has helped to connect this array of projects from around the world.

Inviolata Itatiro, General Secretary of Tanzania Swimming Association and one of the programme's mentors, noted: “Teamwork is the fuel that produces uncommon results!”

Mohamed Sharif, General Secretary of Maldives Aquatics, who mentored Brunei's federation as it took its first steps toward regulating its coaching community, reflected: “There is nothing quite like the feeling of helping others while learning alongside incredible colleagues, and I commend World Aquatics for leading such a meaningful initiative. I am proud to have played a small part in supporting Brunei.”

The World Aquatics Mentorship Programme continues to expand its reach, helping federations of all sizes to build the governance, strategy and grassroots foundations needed for aquatic sport to thrive for generations to come.