Voting open for ParalympicsGB Athletes’ Commission election

Voting for this year’s ParalympicsGB Athletes’ Commission election is now open with 11 athletes vying for one of the six places available on the Commission, which acts as an advisory group putting athletes from summer and winter sports at the heart of decision-making at ParalympicsGB.

Established in 2013, the Athletes’ Commission is made up of 12 current or retired Paralympians each of whom who can serve a maximum of two four-year terms.

The 11 nominees standing for election are:

Hannah Cockroft – Para athletics (completed one term, eligible for re-election)

Dimitri Coutya – Wheelchair fencing

Kelly Gallagher – Para Alpine skiing (completed one term, eligible for re-election)

Joy Haizelden – Wheelchair basketball

Matthew Hamilton – Para snowboard

Jenny Holl – Para cycling

Sally Kidson – Boccia

Aaron McKibbin – Para table tennis

Lucy Shuker – Wheelchair tennis

Laura Sugar – Para canoe

Harrison Walsh – Para athletics

With current chair Helene Raynsford standing down as well as Lora Fachie (Para cycling), Charlotte Henshaw (Para canoe) and Dave Ellis (Para triathlon), the newly elected members will join Jo Butterfield (Wheelchair curling), Jody Cundy (Para cycling), Kylie Grimes (Wheelchair rugby), Benjamin Pritchard (Para rowing) and Louise Sugden (Para Powerlifting), who are all mid-way through their first term, and Claire Taggart (boccia), who is mid-way through her second term – elections take place every two years.

Outgoing chair Helene Raynsford urged athletes to cast their vote, saying: “In my eight years as chair I have seen the Athletes’ Commission grow both in terms of reach within ParalympicsGB and the range of topics that come to our table. With colleagues throughout the organisation seeking athlete input in many areas such as Games time policies and priorities, kit and athlete education, it is clear how much ParalympicsGB values athlete input.

“I would really encourage athletes to vote and play a part in shaping the Athletes’ Commission which is so integral to the work of the organisation for the next and future Paralympic Games.”

Voting opens online on 5 November until midnight on 25 November, with current and retired Paralympians who have competed for ParalympicsGB at a Games within the last 12 years eligible to take part. Individuals will receive a dedicated e-mail which provides further details and a personal link to the voting platform where they will be asked to select three nominees, in no specific order, before submitting their vote.

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