Newly-Appointed Executive Committee Members

Two newly-appointed members, Jack Benedick and Kjartan Haugen, have joined the IPC Executive Committee. Jack Benedick is the Winter Sports Representative to the Executive Committee, following the departure of Dr. Thomas Mohr. He is also IPC Alpine Skiing Sports Chairman, as well as Chairman of the FIS Disabled Alpine Skiing Committee and of the USSA Disabled Skiing Committee. Following a career in the army, Benedick held various appointments in disability sports in the United States. He competed on the US Disabled Ski Team from 1977 to 1986 and one of his major contributions was to help facilitate a disabled alpine circuit under the International Ski Federation (FIS). He was inducted into the Disabled Ski Hall of Fame in 1992.

“I view my position on the IPC Executive Committee as much more than representing Winter Sports,” said Benedick. “For more than 30 years I have been involved in sports for the disabled as an athlete, coach and team leader. As there are few disabled on the EC, I bring a unique perspective on competition and the management of disabled sports. The best for the athletes is my goal. Since I don't have any political ambitions, I will take a stand on issues and not be worried about political fallout.”

Kjartan Haugen is the newly-elected Chairman of the IPC Athletes Committee and Athletes Representative to the Executive Committee, replacing David McCrae. He has also been a Member of the IOC Athletes Commission since 2000. Haugen has won individual and relay medals in all major Nordic Skiing Championships since 1996, and has advocated for the full integration of athletes with disabilities in able-bodied sport federations on a national level. Besides devoting time to sport, Haugen currently studies physics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and works part-time as a computer consultant.

“To be the athlete representative in the IPC Executive Committee is a responsibility I will take very seriously,” said Haugen. “An athlete representative is often regarded as the watchdog, and sometimes the troublemaker, in any sports organization. Occasionally it might be necessary, but I hope I can contribute to the EC more like a consultant, which represents an asset to the committee.”