ParalympicsGB Athletes’ Commission elections underway

Voting for this year’s cohort of ParalympicsGB Athlete Commission members gets underway today (7th Nov) with nine current and former athletes seeking election and six places available.

Elections to the Commission take place every two years, with athletes able to serve a maximum of two four-year terms. There are 12 members on the Commission, which is currently chaired by Beijing 2008 rowing gold medallist Helene Raynsford.

“The Commission is an essential platform that enables the athlete voice to be heard. We have a fantastic mix of nominees, including candidates hoping to return for a second term and those who would be new to the Athletes’ Commission.

“This bodes for a really exciting election and I would urge athletes to get voting and have their say,” said Raynsford.

The candidates standing for election are:

• Natasha Baker (equestrian)
• Jo Butterfield (wheelchair curling
• Jody Cundy (cycling)
• Kylie Grimes (wheelchair rugby, retired)
• Amy Marren (swimming, retired)
• Benjamin Pritchard (rowing)
• Helen Scott (cycling, retired)
• Louise Sugden (powerlifting)
• Claire Taggart (boccia)

Natasha Baker, Helen Scott and Claire Taggart all seek re-election having served one term already. Currently working alongside the trio on the Athletes’ Commission are Charlotte Henshaw (canoe), Lora Fachie (cycling), Hannah Cockroft (athletics), Dave Ellis (triathlon) and Kelly Gallagher (Alpine skiing), while Gaz Choudry (wheelchair basketball), Tania Nadarajah (archery) and Amy Truesdale (taekwondo) stand down.

The Athletes’ Commission acts as an advisory group to ParalympicsGB across a range of issues. Over the last year the Commission contributed to key discussions and decisions on areas such as environmental sustainability, branding and future Games’ strategies. The Commission also represents the views of athletes to the board, Executive team and other working groups and committees, bringing the athlete voice to all levels of governance within ParalympicsGB.

Voting opens online on 7 November through to 27 November, with current and retired Paralympians who have competed for ParalympicsGB at a Games within the last 12 years (since London 2012) eligible to take part via a dedicated voting platform.

For more information on the Athlete’s Commission click here or contact athletescommission@paralympics.org.uk