Two-time Irish Paralympian in table tennis and current Vice President of Paralympics Ireland, Eimear Breathnach, has been nominated as a candidate for the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) Athletes’ Council at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
The elections for the six summer sport representatives will take place between September 5th and 16th in the Paralympic Village at this year’s Games.
This year sees a record number of 22 candidates running for election, and speaking about her hopes for the election, Breathnach stated:
“I believe I can be a strong voice for all para-athletes who strive for the recognition that all high performance athletes deserve.”
The IPC Athletes’ Council acts as a liaison between athletes and the decision-makers and helps to influence how Paralympic sport and the movement grows and develops. Athletes are also encouraged to vote in the elections to ensure their voice is heard and their sport and region is represented.
Speaking about the nomination by Paralympics Ireland, CEO Liam Harbison stated: “Eimear is passionate about Paralympic sport and has demonstrated her immense capability as an athlete advocate as the Chair of Paralympics Ireland’s Athletes Commission and now as our Vice President.
“She will be a great addition to the IPC Athletes’ Council and will be particularly vocal on the needs of athletes from smaller nations and athletes with high support needs. We wish her the very best with her candidacy.”
