The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is calling on Paralympians to support its mission in leading the Paralympic Movement on a different field of play — the decision-making table.

Athletes have a chance to get a place in the boardroom and become directly involved through the IPC Athletes’ Council, which is now accepting nominations for its upcoming elections set during the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Applications are being accepted until 20 May, and candidates must be nominated via their respective National Paralympic Committees (NPCs). Only six summer sport spots are up for election.

The Athletes’ Council is a highly engaged group consisting of 12 current and retired Paralympians, and one IOC Athletes’ Commission Representative, who are passionate about representing all athletes at the highest levels of the Paralympic Movement.

The role requires time commitment to actively participate in on-site gatherings; effective communication skills both in written and spoken English to relay athlete-related issues to the Movement’s leaders; as well as a high level of knowledge of the Paralympic Movement.

Further details on the roles and responsibilities of the Council members are available on Paralympic.org

Chelsey Gotell, IPC Athletes’ Council Chairperson, said: "The IPC Athletes' Council has done a tremendous amount of work to increase its presence and voice within the IPC and the wider Paralympic Movement. We’ve established and are now in the implementation phase of the first ever IPC Athletes’ Council strategy and are keen to ensure that the momentum we’ve built continues, as we transition six of our members out for new voices, perspectives and leadership.

“We are looking to recruit experienced athlete representatives who are passionate and knowledgeable about the Paralympic Movement, and who have time to commit to being a fully engaged and present member of the IPC Athletes’ Council – both in person at meetings, as well as between meetings as strategy leads and through ongoing discussions.
“With an incredibly athlete-focused and athlete-centred leadership within the IPC, it is a very exciting time to be an athlete representative and be part of helping shape the future of the Paralympic Movement.”

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “Our athletes are at the heart of everything that we do, which makes their voice pinnacle to the discussions and decisions that are made for the future of the Paralympic movement. As an athlete-centred organisation, the IPC Athletes' Council has been front and centre in providing valuable feedback to many of our strategic priorities as well as the programmes and initiatives we have implemented. They are also our direct connection into the athlete community, which has helped us make decisions that are in the best interest of our athletes and our Movement.

“The voice of our Paralympic athletes within the IPC will only continue to grow and we welcome the opportunity to have strong athlete our leaders join the IPC Athletes’ Council to help us continue to push the envelope of what it means to be athlete-centred."