Ottawa, ON — Water Polo Canada is proud to announce that Canadian referee Elena Barri has been selected to participate in the World Aquatics Women in Water Polo Leadership Program, an international initiative designed to support the development of female leaders in the sport of water polo. 

Launched by World Aquatics in partnership with KAP7, the program aims to increase the representation, visibility, and professional development of women working as coaches and technical officials in water polo. Participants will take part in a structured leadership pathway that includes online education, in-person training opportunities, certification courses, and ongoing mentorship within the global aquatics community.  

The program focuses on building leadership skills, strengthening technical expertise, and creating long-term career pathways for emerging leaders identified by their national federations. Through collaborative learning sessions and international networking opportunities, participants will engage with key topics related to high-performance sport, governance, and professional development.  

Elena Barri’s selection reflects both her commitment to excellence as an official and the continued growth of Canadian representation within the international water polo community. 

“We are extremely proud to see Elena selected for this prestigious World Aquatics program. Her dedication to officiating and to the development of our sport in Canada makes her an outstanding candidate, and we look forward to seeing the impact this experience will have on her continued leadership within the water polo community.” — Corey Conroy, Education & Events Manager, Water Polo Canada 

Participation in the Women in Water Polo Leadership Program represents an important step in strengthening the presence of Canadian officials on the international stage and aligns with Water Polo Canada’s commitment to developing leaders across all areas of the sport. 

Water Polo Canada congratulates Elena on this achievement and wishes her every success in the program.