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Paralympics Australia’s Athletes’ Commission will usher in a new and exciting Paralympic cycle with the appointment of new members to the Executive Team.
With the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games now in the rearview mirror, the Commission is zeroing in on the Milano Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028 campaigns, ensuring that the voices of Paralympians continue to help shape the direction of Australian sport.
The new Executive Team will lead the Commission’s first meeting for 2025 later this month with incumbent Chair Sarah Stewart to be supported by a new Vice-Chair (Ella Sabljak, wheelchair rugby), Secretary (Angie Ballard, Para-athletics) and Communications lead (Alexandra Viney, Para-rowing).
Viney was one of three candidates elected for the first time during the Paris 2024 Games, joining Curtis McGrath (Para-canoe), Danni Di Toro (Para-table tennis), Ballard and Sabljak as the re-elected representatives.
Established in 2017, the Athletes’ Commission consists of 13 Paralympians from 10 sports and plays a crucial role in engaging with Paralympics Australia’s Board and staff and the broader Para-sport community to ensure that the best interests of athletes are central to decision-making.
Discover more about our athletes and the Commission’s role here
“This is a really exciting new chapter for our Athletes’ Commission,” Stewart said.
“With a new Executive Team and new members bringing fresh perspectives, along with established members who all understand inherently what our ambitions and our roles are, we have a fantastic opportunity to drive more meaningful change for the Paralympic Movement.
“There has arguably never been a more important time to be engaging with all Para-athletes, from emerging talent to seasoned Paralympians and alumni from past eras.”
A key focus for the Commission in 2025 will be to strengthen the connection between summer and winter athletes.
“As a Commission, it’s about ensuring we always foster strong, two-way engagement with the Para-athlete community. We want to make sure that the lessons we’ve learned and the strides we’ve made in inclusion, diversity and equity continue to benefit all Paralympians, and all summer and winter Para-athletes,” Stewart said.
“While we are seeing some encouraging progress in more recent times, particularly in areas of funding and program support, it’s important that we keep building this momentum.”
A significant transition in the Athletes’ Commission’s leadership is the decision of longtime Vice-Chair and Secretary Danni Di Toro to step down from an Executive role while remaining on the Commission as a member.
Stewart said the impact Di Toro has had on the Athlete Commission since its formation has been immeasurable.
“The Athlete Commission wouldn’t be what it is today without Danni and while she’s stepping back from an Executive role, her wisdom, experience and passion for athlete advocacy will continue to be a huge asset to our work.” Stewart said.
With a new leadership group in place, the Athlete Commission is actively developing its strategic direction for the 2026 and 2028 Paralympics cycles. The evaluation and optimisation of its sub-committees, the Commission’s ways of working, and the long-term sustainability of new initiatives being introduced as part of the Para System Uplift program will be key discussion points at their meeting this month according to Stewart.
“We began our strategic planning last year and this year we’re diving deeper into how we operate and where we can be most effective,” she said. “We want to make sure that our sub-committees are structured in a way that maximises our impact and that we are consistently driving positive change for Paralympians.
“Ultimately our role is to ensure that all Australian Paralympians and Para-athletes – past, present, and future – feel valued and supported, in and out of the sporting arena.”
To contact a member of the Paralympics Australia Athletes’ Commission, please email paathletescommission@paralympic.org.au
By Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia.
Published 26 March, 2025.
