ParalympicsGB seeks nominations for Athletes’ Commission

ParalympicsGB is calling on athletes to seek nomination to join the ParalympicsGB Athletes’ Commission.

With the next round of elections due to take place in November, applications are now open for athletes – both current and retired – to fill the six places that will become available.

Established in 2013, the Commission acts as an advisory group which puts athletes from summer and winter sports at the heart of decision-making at ParalympicsGB.

The Commission enables athletes to provide their perspective and advise on a wide range of projects and topics throughout the Paralympic Games’ cycle, informing ParalympicsGB’s board, Executive team and project groups.

Most recently, the Commission was involved in consultations on the ParalympicsGB kit for LA 2028, providing vital athlete input from the initial design stage onwards. The Commission was also consulted on the best use of allocated spaces at the Milano Cortina 2026 Athletes’ Village as well as ParalympicsGB’s new Athlete Community hub launched earlier this year.

The Athletes’ Commission is made up of 12 members, with elections for half of the cohort taking place every two years. Members can serve a maximum of two four-year terms.

Since 2019 the Chairperson of the Athletes’ Commission has also been allocated a seat on ParalympicsGB’s Board, reflecting the importance of the athlete’s voice in decision-making at ParalympicsGB. With current Chair Helene Raynsford due to stand down at the end of 2026, a new chair and – for the first time, a vice chair – will be elected by the new Commission who will formally start working together in early 2027.

David Clarke, ParalympicsGB’s Chief Executive and a former Athletes’ Commission member said:

“ParalympicsGB deeply values the input, experience and knowledge that athletes can bring to what we do - not only in ensuring we are best prepared for the Paralympic Games, but in so many other areas too, such as our commitment to bringing about meaningful social change.

“It is vitally important that athletes have a voice and a platform to share their views as well as their expertise, and I would strongly urge eligible athletes to put themselves forward for this opportunity to join the ParalympicsGB Athletes’ Commission.”

Athletes’ Commission members:

Helene Raynsford (Chair) - Rowing (standing down)

Lora Fachie - Cycling (standing down)

Charlotte Henshaw - Canoe (standing down)

Dave Ellis - Triathlon (standing down)

Kelly Gallagher - Alpine Skiing (served one term)

Hannah Cockroft - Athletics (served one term)

Claire Taggart - Boccia

Jo Butterfield - Wheelchair Curling

Jody Cundy - Cycling

Kylie Grimes - Wheelchair Rugby

Benjamin Pritchard - Rowing

Louise Sugden - Powerlifting

National Governing Bodies can submit up to two nominations, with athletes who have competed for ParalympicsGB at a Paralympic Summer Games or Paralympic Winter Games since and including Sochi 2014 eligible to stand for election.

For more information visit Athletes Commission or email us on athletescommission@paralympics.org.uk