British Paralympic Association reveals key roles for Tokyo 2020

Tokyo 2021

The British Paralympic Association has today announced a number of senior roles as it steps up preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Chef de Mission for Tokyo 2020 Penny Briscoe OBE is joined by Nik Diaper – Deputy Chef de Mission (Performance), Verity Naylor – Deputy Chef de Mission, (Operations), Phil Smith – Deputy Chef de Mission (Games Services) and Stuart Miller – Chief Medical Officer.

Left to right: Nik Diaper, Verity Naylor, Phil Smith and Stuart Miller

They form part of a delegation heading to Japan today which includes representatives of 13 sports, as ParalympicsGB continues its mission to deliver a world-leading Games-time environment for British athletes.

The visit is a vital part of ParalympicsGB’s Games preparation strategy, ensuring every National Governing Body Team Leader develops a thorough knowledge of preparation options, competition venues, the athlete village and the wider Tokyo environment. In addition, every recce represents an opportunity to further develop relationships and share best practice among sports.

Penny Briscoe said: “I am delighted to be working with these talented and experienced colleagues once again as we head towards Tokyo. We have worked together, in various roles, at past Games and I am confident this will be a very strong Chef’s team.

“We are all fully focussed on delivering the best possible Games-time environment for the athletes who will represent ParalympicsGB in Tokyo to enable them to deliver those personal bests and medal winning performances they, and their support teams, are working tirelessly for.

Fiercely competitive

“Tokyo 2020 promises to be the most fiercely competitive Games yet and we will explore every possible avenue to ensure we stay ahead of our rival nations.”

Paul Cox will be Head of Communications at Tokyo 2020 with Katherine Allin, Team Press Attaché at what will be her fifth Paralympic Games.

Nik Diaper is Head of Performance at the BPA and has worked at six Paralympic Games. He was previously Head of Sport Science and Medicine for Paralympic sport at the English Institute of Sport and will lead on all aspects of preparation and athlete performance support.

Verity Naylor is Director of Operations at the BPA and has experience of five Paralympic Games, including in key roles at the London 2012 Organising Committee. Her team coordinates areas including kit, flights, logistics, accommodation, events and the village environment, to take the full delegation of athletes, staff and stakeholders to the Games.

Phil Smith is Head of Games Services at the BPA and has worked at five Paralympic Games. He is responsible for all aspects of the qualification, selection, accreditation and sport entries of the ParalympicsGB team for Tokyo 2020.

Dr Stuart Miller, who will be seconded from the English Institute of Sport, has been involved in Paralympic sport since leading the medical services at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games and has supported the British Paralympic Association up to the present day. He was the lead sports doctor for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics before returning to the Paralympic fold as the Chief Medical Officer for the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympics and the Rio Paralympics in 2016.

Dr Miller said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity. I thoroughly enjoy working with the British Paralympic Association and the ParalympicsGB team and I’m looking forward to Tokyo 2020. The team is a huge inspiration to me and it’s rewarding to be involved.

“Tokyo 2020 will provide a great platform for the ParalympicsGB team and I am proud to have a role advising and treating the athletes and support staff on any medical issues.”

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will take place from 25th August to 6th September 2020 and will feature 22 sports, with Para taekwondo and Para badminton included on the programme for the first time.

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