Gradwell re-elected as Paralympics Ireland President

“I’m honoured to be re-elected to head this wonderful organisation and am committed to supporting our members and staff drive on from the success of London and sustain our place amongst the leading nations in world para-sport.”

James Gradwell was elected for a second four-year term as President of Paralympics Ireland on Wednesday (19 June).

Gradwell, who headed the organisation for its most successful period of growth, which included the London 2012 Paralympic Games, was delighted with his reappointment by the delegates of the 20 member sports at Irish Sport’s headquarters.

Addressing the members, Gradell stated: “I’m honoured to be re-elected to head this wonderful organisation and am committed to supporting our members and staff drive on from the success of London and sustain our place amongst the leading nations in world para-sport.”

Liam Moggan and John Fulham were also re-elected to as Vice Presidents. Former Triathlon Ireland President Mark Risely was elected as Finance Officer, further enhancing cooperation with one of Paralympics Ireland’s newest member in advance of triathlons debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The new Board also includes Honorary Life member Anne Ebbs, founder of the Paralympic Movement in Ireland, and will have further additions independent member and the Chair of the Athletes Commission.

The elections took place following a special open evening to officially open Paralympics Ireland’s new permanent home at Irish Sport headquarters at the National Sports Campus in Dublin.

Paralympics Ireland CEO, Liam Harbison, outlined detailed plans for Ireland’s aim to maintain high levels of success at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

With the theme of the evening “Sustaining success, securing the foundations,” he gave a breakdown of the huge volume of work being carried out by the organisation in preparation for Rio.

He outlined clear targets for Rio 2016 of a top 30 position on the medals table, an increase in the number of sports on the Irish team from 10 in London, an increase in the number of sports that win medals from four in London and an overall team size in excess of 50 athletes for the first time since the Atlanta 1996 Games.