Athletes’ Commission call for nominations

The British Paralympic Association’s Athletes’ Commission elections take place in November and athletes keen to join – and help play a vital role in key planning and decision-making within ParalympicsGB - are now invited to submit their nominations.

The Athletes’ Commission acts as an advisory group to the BPA - representing the views of athletes to the BPA board, Executive team and other working groups and committees on a wide range of issues, from classification to kit.

The Athletes’ Commission elections take place every two years, with athletes able to serve a maximum of two four-year terms. There are currently 12 members on the Commission.

Six members – Tania Nadarajah (archery), Natasha Baker (equestrian), Helen Scott (cycling), Libby Clegg (athletics), Gaz Choudhry (wheelchair basketball) and Claire Taggart (boccia) – joined in 2020, while five athletes - Sean Rose (snowsport, retired), Lora Fachie (cycling), Charlotte Henshaw (canoe), Ali Jawad (powerlifting) and Grace Clough (rowing, retired) - will have served a four-year term and are eligible for re-election.

Natasha Baker said: “Being part of Ath Comm for the past 2 years has been so rewarding, not only connecting with other athletes and Paralympics GB but also being a part of decision making that ultimately will make long term positive changes to Paralympians journeys. I love representing the athlete voice and having a positive influence heading towards Paris 2024.”

After a productive two years inputting on key decisions involving both the Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games, Chair Helene Raynsford is keen to see the group continue to play an important role in ensuring Paralympic athletes’ voices are heard.

“The Athletes Commission role is really to offer advice and feedback to the BPA and to represent athletes’ views on a wide range of issues that the Athletes’ Commission are consulted on,” said Raynsford. “It is really important that athletes’ voices are heard, and the Commission provides the platform for exactly that.”

Current and recently retired Paralympians (athletes who have competed for ParalympicsGB at a Games within the last twelve years from the nomination closing date) over the age of 18 are eligible for the role.

The deadline for nominations – which, for current athletes must be submitted via National Governing Bodies, and for retired athletes should be supported by either the athletes’ former NGB or two current athletes – is midday 10 October, with voting opening in early November.

For further information please contact athletescommission@paralympics.org.uk