The candidates 2018 IPC Athletes Council elections
WHO IS THE IPC ATHLETES COUNCIL? The IPC Athletes Council 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 Athletes Council works to provide effective input into decision-making at all levels of the organisation. To this end, the IPC Athletes Council 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 Athletes Council enjoys cross representation with the IOC Athletes Commission. 2018 IPC ATHLETES COUNCIL ELECTIONS Elections for the three winter sport representatives on the Athletes Council will take place between 6 and 16 March, in the #ProudParalympian space of the Athletes Dining Hall in the Paralympic Village. All Aa accredited athletes are entitled to vote. Athletes must vote for three candidates (not more not less). The IPC Electoral Commission is composed of the following individuals: Linda Mastandrea (IPC Legal and Ethics Committee Chairperson) Electoral Commission Chairperson Mark Copeland (IPC Legal and Ethics Committee Member) To cast your vote, you simply need to: 1. Show your accreditation card at the voting station. Your card will be checked in the Voting Registration System and it will be checked that you are eligible to vote. 2. In the voting booth, follow the instructions of the electronic voting system. Please note that athletes who require assistance may select an assistant of their choice to complete the voting process. The attached document will provide you with an overview of all candidates. Make your voice heard by voting for three representatives on the IPC Athletes Council! We are looking forward to welcoming you to the #ProudParalympian space! Note: The content appears precisely as we receive it; any variations in the information you find in the nominations reflect the extent of detail that each nominee chooses to submit. It is the responsibility of the nominee to provide accurate and complete information.
ZSOLT BALOGH COUNTRY: Hungary SPORT: Para alpine skiing SPORT CLASS: B1 Tarvisio 2017 There were always a few athletes in IPC Alpine Skiing amongst the visually impaired athletes in the category B1. Being B1 athlete, I know well the difficulties and obstacles what a visually impaired athlete has to deal with and challenges to face. As their representative, I could genuinely represent the whole field of visually impaired athletes. Moreover, I would like to make all efforts as far as possible for my teammates in order to have more chance to get involved in the competition circle. I have taken part in the popularization process of the Paralympic alpine skiing in Hungary. Also I gave my fellows to believe that this sport can be an alternative for sporting, as well. I would like to mention an example: since 2015 in every winter there are free ski lessons for visually impaired individuals in Budapest. I have a big role in this initiative. I m very proud to represent my country as the first visually impaired athlete in the international competitions and Paralympic Winter Games.
MARIE BOCHET COUNTRY: France SPORT: Para alpine skiing SPORT CLASS: LW 6/8-2 Vancouver 2010 Sochi 2014: 4 GOLD Sestriere 2011: 2 GOLD, 2 SILVER La Molina 2013: 5 GOLD Panorama 2015: 5 GOLD Tarvisio 2017: 3 GOLD, 2 SILVER I want to join the athletes council in order to share my experience as a Paralympian and to be there for others. I think it is essential that the athletes be at the heart of the Paralympic Movement and that we can be consulted on different topics to contribute to the growth of the movement of which I am very proud! I really want to represent France, to discuss with athletes of different nationalities and to built a unity and exchange between each country, each culture and each sport. Determined, passionate, I hold myself to high standards. I never give up and like in competition, it is in me to defend the interest of the Paralympic Movement & bring the athletes voices. I practice an individual sport, but the team spirit is essential to me. I am convinced that to exchange and to share with other is a catalyst for success! My country will welcome the games in 2024 & I was involved in the athletes council. It is also for this reason that I would be able to share experiences & to benefit from the others & to share my vision, always keeping the athletes at the heart of the project. I fully share the values of the International Paralympic Committee & I am really proud to be an ambassador of its values: determination, inspiration, courage, equity which highlight the abilities of us all. The PyeongChang games will be my third games. I was 16 years old in Vancouver and I discovered a world unlike any other into which I was warmly welcomed & the other athletes took me under their wing. Since then, I have seen the huge evolution of the Paralympic Movement at all level and I would like to contribute to this development and to give back to the Para sport what it gave me!
RUDOLF KLEMETTI COUNTRY: Finland SPORT: Para Nordic skiing SPORT CLASS: B3 Salt Lake City 2002 Vancouver 2010 Sochi 2014 Vuokatti 2009 Finsterau 2017 I competed for the first time at the Paralympic Games in 2002 in Salt Lake City. The Paralympics was then, and has been ever since, a life-changing experience, and I would like this experience to be lifelong. I have seen the evolution of the Paralympics over the years, hence I think I am capable of shaping the future. In particular, I would like to contribute to sports science of the Paralympic sports, including but not limited to the development of classification. I have a doctoral degree in science with specialization in biomechanics of human movement. I have conducted biomechanical research on people with disabilities, and I have in-depth scientific knowledge of various movement disorders. This expertise enables me to support and advance sports science in the Paralympic sports, especially to develop science-based classification. In addition to cross-country skiing I have been involved in alpine skiing, artistic gymnastics, and adaptive rowing. Consequently, I am familiar with different sports and can understand different athletes. I am proud that, regardless of my visual impairment, I have managed to practice challenging sports, such as cross-country skiing, through my life. Furthermore, I have represented my country at several Paralympic Games. Also, with these achievements I have been an inspiration to many people.
CLAUDIA LÖSCH COUNTRY: Austria SPORT: Para alpine skiing SPORT CLASS: LW11 Torino 2006: 1 BRONZE Vancouver 2010: 2 GOLD, 2 SILVER, 1 BRONZE Sochi 2014: 2 SILVER Kangwonland 2009: 2 SILVER Sestriere 2011: 3 SILVER, 2 BRONZE La Molina 2013: 3 GOLD Panorama 2015: 3 GOLD, 1 SILVER Tarvisio 2017: 2 GOLD, 2 SILVER, 2 BRONZE I want to give us, the athletes, a voice in the development of our sports and the Paralympic Movement. I believe we need to be outspoken about what we need to achieve our best - because in the end it s us, who have to compete in the events. My goal is to be open to suggestions from everyone, across all sports, newly incoming as well as experienced athletes, VI s, Standings or Sittings, pros or dedicated amateurs, we are the Paralympic Family. My major points of concern at the moment are: Classification systems and procedures, Representation of Paralympic sports in the media. Working experience as an Athlete Representative on national level since 2010. Member of the Athletes Advisory Group in alpine skiing since its formation in 2015. Fluent in 3-5 languages (English, German, French + basic knowledge of Italian & Spanish). Seniority (16 years of Paralympic racing experience). Student of Law and Political Science with a focus on legal and organizational aspects of Sports. The solidarity among the Paralympic family in general and the athletes in particular - despite the competitiveness our sports have reached over the last decade(s), fairness, respect and sometimes simply spending a great time together are still highly valued.
YUANYUAN PENG COUNTRY: China SPORT: Para Nordic skiing SPORT CLASS: LW8 Torino 2006 Vancouver 2010 - In 2006 I joined the sport of cross-country skiing, for the last ten year I have participated in many events and trained very hard. As an athlete, I have a clear goal with my career, to try my best and win the game. Now I want to grow up with athletes from all over the world and learn from each other. I believe joining the council will enable me to make greater contribution to the people with impairment. I took part in two Paralympic Games, and made good result to my own satisfaction. I understand the needs of Para athletes as being one of them. My learning ability is strong, and always kept a great interest in learning things such as English and communication skills. I have a pleasant personality and always trying to be nice to people. As an experienced athlete, I understand the competition rules, and am familiar with Para cross-country skiing. I set up very strict requirement to myself, be optimistic and believing.
BIRGIT SKARSTEIN COUNTRY: Norway SPORT: Para Nordic skiing SPORT CLASS: LW11 Sochi 2014 Finsterau 2017: 1 SILVER, 1 BRONZE The power of Paralympic sports goes beyond the field of play. I believe sports can change the world, and that exposing our communities for Paralympic moments will make the world a better place. As an engaged individual in both sports and society, I want to utilize my role in the IPC Athletes Council to make a difference in the world of sports and the rest of the society. The voice of the athletes must be strong and clear, not only on emerging issues, but also take the initiative to improve the situation for Paralympic athletes. I believe I can be such a clear voice. As Norwegian, I feel belonging to various winter sports. I understand their differences and what they have in common. As summer and winter athlete, I understand the athletes challenges. Being part of a combined Paralympic and Olympic rowing team, I know the Olympic world as well. I want to bridge the understanding between the Paralympic and Olympic world. Together we can find the best solutions for the future. I am also a politician in the city council and served on the governmental board of biotechnology and on other boards. I can use this experience as an AC member. I worked at the NPC/NOC for six years and gained knowledge in international sport politics. I am motivated to use my background, resources and expertise to work for the best of Paralympic sports. Being a part of a universe of providing and living opportunities, I believe Paralympians show the world what is possible. The Paralympian universe is one of hope, hard work and amazing performances of teams and athletes succeeding - no because of, but despite of. What you cannot do is not important - what you can do, is the core value. I am very proud of being a part of this world of possibilities.
WITOLD SKUPIEN COUNTRY: Poland SPORT: Para Nordic skiing SPORT CLASS: LW2-9 Sochi 2014 Cable 2015 Finsterau 2017 The main aim of my candidature is the fact I would like to have an influence on athlete s development and Paralympic Movement. I am an experienced athlete, have participated in Paralympic Games. What is more I am an open-minded person and have kind of easiness in getting in touch with different people. I am proud to represent my country.