In the wake of several groundbreaking sporting performances recorded by Cambodian women this year, the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia in collaboration with the Kingdom’s Women and Sports Commission are organising a three-day Women in Sport Leadership seminar in Siem Reap from July 18.

The main thrust of the seminar is to promote greater participation of women in sporting activities across the country and help them reach their leadership potential as coaches, officials and administrators.

“We were highly motivated by an International IOC-NOCC meet involving 26 countries on women and sports leadership and training in Siem Reap last year, and a special unit set up then has now become a central part of our national commission’s ongoing operations,” said Vath Chamreoun, secretary-general of the NOCC.

“As more Cambodian women have started breaking down barriers despite limited participation numbers, we have been encouraged to redouble our efforts to build a strong platform for women entering the sports arena.”

Vath Chamreoun added: “2016 has been a watershed moment for women’s sports, as highlighted by Sorn Seavmey’s Olympic qualification, Chov Sotheara becoming the first female wrestler to compete at a summer Games, Nary Ly first to figure in a marathon and Andrea Ka becoming the first ever Cambodian to win an ITF Tennis event,” the NOCC secretary-general said.

Next week’s Siem Reap seminar sets a national agenda for representatives from all the provinces.The NOCC has invited IOC’s Women and Sports Commission member Beng Choo Low, who is also the secretary-general of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, to be the keynote speaker at the event.