Sofie Cox voted Para dance athlete representative

“As athletes, we experience a Championships or a competition in a totally different way than a judges or the ones who organise it. So I think it is very important to have a voice."

Belgium’s Sofie Cox has been elected as the athlete representative on World Para Dance Sport’s Sport Technical Committee (STC).

The 23-year-old Para dancer received 52 per cent of athlete votes during elections held at the 2017 World Para Dance Sport Championships from 21-22 October in Malle, Belgium.

“I hope to be the voice of the athletes and represent them very well,” Cox said after the conclusion of the 2017 World Championships. “I want to bring their voices and their opinions to the [decision-making table].

“As athletes, we experience a Championships or a competition in a totally different way than a judges or the ones who organise it. So I think it is very important to have a voice as athletes in things that they discuss and the choices they make.”

In Malle, Cox competed in women’s single and single freestyle class 2; then partnered with Sander Deckx in the duo Latin and standard class 2 events. She began competing in Para dance sport in 2004, and also competes in wheelchair tennis.

Cox will replace Slovakia’s Helena Kasicka, who retired from the sport last year.

Great Britain’s Paula Moulton was the other candidate up for the position.

The athlete representative will serve a two-year term on the STC, acting as liaison between the athletes and sport’s decision makers; and also be the direct link to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletes’ Council.