The IPC Athletes’ Council (AC) is the collective voice of Paralympic athletes within the IPC and the greater Paralympic Movement. As the liaison between IPC decision-makers and Paralympic athletes, the IPC AC works to provide effective input into decision-making at all levels of the organization. To this end, the IPC AC works to ensure effective athlete representation on all IPC committees and commissions as well as to create other opportunities for athlete representation both within and outside the IPC. For example, the IPC AC enjoys cross representation with the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

Membership: The IPC AC is composed of nine (9) Paralympic athlete representatives elected for a four-year term. Six athlete representatives are elected from summer sports and three from winter sports at the Paralympic Games. Athlete candidates are nominated by their respective National Paralympic Committee (NPC), and must have competed at a Paralympic Games within the previous eight years. The AC meets at least once a year at the invitation of the Chairperson and upon request of the IPC Governing Board.

Functions: The IPC AC oversees the Athletes’ Council election process during the Paralympic Games. The AC seeks to ensure that elections are organized in a democratic and fair manner. Furthermore, recognising that the election process is the primary means by which athletes express their voice, the AC focuses on education and awareness initiatives aimed at maximum participation. Successful candidates are announced during the Closing Ceremony of the respective Paralympic Games.

Status: The Athlete’s Council was formed in 1989. In 2004 it changed from a Committee to a Council.

Contact person: Ms. Lilo Ljubisic, Athletes’ Council Chairperson (lilo.lj@telus.net).