“Come and be part of the amazing development of para-sport worldwide. The future of the Paralympics is bright - come join us!”

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is calling on athletes to help shape the future of the Paralympic Movement by nominating themselves through their National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) for election to the Athletes’ Council.

The Athletes’ Council acts as the liaison between athletes and decision-makers and influences how Paralympic sport and the Movement grow and develop.

Nominations can be made online by NPCs until 16 May 2016. Elections will be held at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, where all participating athletes in the Games will be eligible to vote.

Todd Nicholson, a five-time Paralympian and Chairperson of the Athletes’ Council, said: “The Paralympic Movement is growing at a fast pace and we, the IPC Athletes’ Council, need to ensure that the athlete voice continues to be included in the discussions and impacts the decisions made.

“We need people who are willing to dedicate the time to the Council to ensure it serves athletes in the best possible way, and continues to be a valued asset. We are creating new ways within International Federations to talk to and engage with athletes, such as focus groups, and we need people who can transfer the unique skills they have developed on the field of play to help.

“Are you dedicated to the Paralympic Movement as a whole with all sports and all athletes in mind? Are you open to new ideas? Are you creative? Are you willing to devote the time? Do you want to shape the future for the next generation? This is a great opportunity to be involved.

“Come and be part of the amazing development of para-sport worldwide. The future of the Paralympics is bright - come join us!”

Athletes’ Council members are expected to represent the views of athletes from across Paralympic sport and have strong advocacy skills for athlete related issues. They have a track record of knowledge and respect on and off the field of play, are able to lead and are role models for para-sport.

They are required to attend various meetings and functions, including for the Council itself which meets twice a year and may be required to attend major events.

Only athletes competing at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games or who have competed in either of the two previous summer Paralympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012) are eligible for nomination. Only one athlete per NPC is allowed to be on the Council at the same time, and NPCs can nominate only one candidate for election.

A complete list of candidates will be published two months prior to the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, and voting will take place at the Games between 5 and 16 September in the Athletes’ Dining Hall in the Paralympic Village.

The full eligibility criteria for candidates are outlined in the IPC Handbook, Chapter 2.5.1, Appendix 2 under the title “IPC Athletes Council Nomination & Election Procedures.”

Access information for the online nomination portal has been distributed to National Paralympic Committees.